Four former standout players from the University of Michigan football team, including Braylon Edwards, a wide receiver, and quarterback Denard Robinson, have launched a class-action lawsuit against the Big Ten Network and the NCAA. These former athletes were “wrongfully and unlawfully denied” the chance to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) throughout their collegiate careers, according to the lawsuit, which is seeking more than $50 million in damages.
The lawsuit alleges that the NCAA and Big Ten Network have “systematically exploited” the players’ iconic moments on the field while they were unable to benefit financially from their NIL rights. Michigan athletes who competed before 2016—when collegiate athletes could lawfully make money off of their own brands—are the ones bringing the lawsuit.
Exploiting Iconic Moments
The lawsuit highlights how the NCAA and Big Ten Network have continued to profit from the broadcast and marketing of famous moments created by these athletes during their careers at Michigan. Michigan athletes who competed before 2016—when collegiate athletes could lawfully make money off of their own brands—are the ones bringing the lawsuit.
Collegiate athletes will only be permitted to make money off of their name, likeness, and image starting in 2021. The complaint alleges that because of the delay in recognizing players’ rights, large sums of money that should have gone to the sportsmen themselves have been unfairly withheld.
Impact of 2021 NIL Rule Change
The lawsuit follows significant changes in the world of college sports. After years of lobbying, the NCAA has gave athletes permission to start making money off of their NIL in 2021. This was a significant change in the organization’s business plan because, for a long time, collegiate athletics brought in enormous sums of money for institutions and organizations without paying players for their services.
But the athletes who competed before to this regulation change are seeking damages in their action, which was brought by the former Michigan players. Plaintiffs contend that while the NCAA and media organizations such as Big Ten Network continued to benefit financially from their accomplishments, they were illegally prevented from making money off of their NIL rights.
Similar Antitrust Cases and Settlements
Following other major court cases concerning the NCAA’s management of athlete remuneration, this complaint was filed. The NCAA, its big conferences, and the lawyers for Division I players reached a settlement to end three significant antitrust cases in May. These cases, which threatened to disrupt the traditional business model of college sports, resulted in the NCAA agreeing to pay roughly $2.7 billion in damages.
Under that settlement, any Division I athlete who played a sport from 2016 onward is eligible for compensation. Nevertheless, athletes who competed prior to 2016—such as those in the Michigan case—were not covered by the 2016 cutoff, which originates from the statute of limitations in the first House v. NCAA action filed in 2020.
Plaintiffs’ Fight for Fair Compensation
James R. Acho, the attorney representing the former Michigan players, emphasized the importance of securing compensation for past athletes. “The NCAA knew for decades that preventing players from monetizing the one thing of value they have — their name — was wrong and unlawful,” Acho stated. “Today they recognize that players should have that right. But what about all the past players who were unlawfully denied that right? The money made off those players’ backs was in the hundreds of millions… The players never saw a dime.”
The lawsuit seeks to address what the plaintiffs believe to be a long-standing unfairness in college sports: broadcasters and institutions made money off of athletes’ abilities and labor without providing them with any financial reward.
Michigan Legends Seek Justice
Linebacker Shawn Crable and former Michigan defensive end Mike Martin have joined Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards in the lawsuit. All four players played important roles in the history of Michigan football and enjoyed prosperous collegiate careers.
Denard Robinson, who played quarterback for Michigan from 2009 to 2012, was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 and became one of the most recognizable figures in college football. Braylon Edwards, who played from 2001 to 2004, was the nation’s top wide receiver, winning the prestigious Biletnikoff Award in 2004.
These former players want to use their legal challenge to recover damages for all Michigan athletes who competed prior to 2016 but were not allowed to collect money from their NIL.
A Broader Fight for College Athletes’ Rights
This lawsuit reflects a larger movement toward fairness and compensation in college sports. As a result of the billions of dollars that are made each year from sponsorships, sales, and broadcasting, the NCAA and its member institutions are under increasing pressure to fairly compensate athletes for their contributions.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for former college athletes across the nation who were denied their NIL rights during their playing days, potentially opening the door for more lawsuits from other universities and conferences.
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