Ex-Michigan Football Players File $50M Lawsuit Against NCAA and Big Ten Network

Four former University of Michigan football players have filed a class action lawsuit against the Big Ten Network and the NCAA seeking $50 million for their name, image and likeness rights.

The plaintiffs include quarterback, Denard Robinson defensive end, Mike Martin, linebacker, Shawn Crable and wide receiver, Braylon Edwards. Their lawsuit alleges they were “wrongfully and unlawfully denied” the chance to collect on the “iconic moments” they created for both organizations to profit from in advertising.

Jim Acho, the attorney representing the former Wolverines, said, “The NCAA knew for decades that preventing players from monetizing the one thing of value they have -- their name -- was wrong and unlawful. 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.”

So far neither the NCAA or the Big Ten Network have commented on the lawsuit.

While these four ex-Michigan players may be the latest to file suit against the NCAA for NIL rights, they are certainly not alone. Earlier this year the iconic 1983 Cardiac Pack from North Carolina State University men’s basketball team also filed suit against the NCAA for NIL rights. 

That’s not to mention the roughly $2.7 billion in damages that the NCAA is expected to pay out as a result of their antitrust lawsuits.

According to Sportico, “The plaintiffs also seek certification of their case as a class action on behalf of NCAA players who played before June 15, 2016, and whose image or likeness was used by the NCAA, Big Ten Network or its business partners.”

Beyond the monetary damages, the lawsuit also seeks an injunction that would stop the NCAA and Big Ten from using the players’ images at the very least.