Ex-Michigan athletes sue NCAA for $50M over NIL rights

Four former Michigan athletes, including notable players Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards, have initiated a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA and Big Ten Network, claiming over $50 million in damages. The lawsuit argues that these organizations have exploited the players' names, images, and likenesses without compensation, particularly for those who played before 2016. The NCAA has only recently allowed athletes to profit from their NIL rights, which has raised questions about the treatment of past players. The lawsuit highlights the systemic issues within college sports, where athletes have historically been denied the ability to monetize their own identities. The plaintiffs' attorney, James R. Acho, emphasized that the NCAA was aware of the unlawful nature of their practices for decades. The lawsuit seeks to address the financial injustices faced by former players who contributed significantly to the NCAA's revenue without receiving any financial benefits. In May, the NCAA and its power conferences reached a settlement in three major antitrust lawsuits, agreeing to pay approximately $2.7 billion in damages. This settlement allows Division I athletes who participated in sports from 2016 onward to claim past damages. However, the current lawsuit aims to extend this recognition to athletes who played before the 2016 cutoff, arguing that they too deserve compensation for their contributions. The case underscores the ongoing debate about the rights of college athletes and the financial exploitation they have faced. As the landscape of college sports evolves, this lawsuit may pave the way for greater accountability and fairness for former athletes who have been denied their rightful earnings.