Over 300 Wolverine athletes join lawsuit against NCAA, Big Ten and Big Ten Network

The athletes are suing based on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws that have changed the landscape of college sports

Jerred Johnson | Feb 3, 2025

Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines former player Braylon Edwards takes a picture with fans during the fourth quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium. Michigan Wolverines defeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 41-30. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-Imagn Images / Andrew Weber-Imagn Images

A group of over 347 former University of Michigan athletes, including high-profile players like Braylon Edwards, Mike Martin, Denard Robinson, and Shawn Crable, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, Big Ten, and Big Ten Network, demanding compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The former Wolverines argue that they deserve to be paid for the airing of their games, the sale of their jerseys, and the overall use of their likenesses in promotional materials. This legal action highlights the ongoing debate surrounding NIL rights and compensation for athletes, particularly those from past generations who were not allowed to profit from their likenesses during their playing careers.

"An overwhelming amount of players- almost all of whom are all financially successful I might add- reached out, wanting to join this lawsuit because they said it was out of principle. Money was made off their backs, they were denied the right to use their name and image and everybody knew decades ago it was wrong."
- Jim Acho, lawyer for the plaintiffs

More than 300 former Michigan football players now part of lawsuit vs. NCAA, Big Ten https://t.co/CPDMwbQ3CG
— Detroit Free Press (@freep) January 29, 2025

The players involved in the lawsuit claim that, for years, they were exploited by the NCAA and the associated governing bodies without receiving any financial compensation for their image and likeness being used to generate significant revenue. Their argument centers around the fact that, despite their contributions to the success of their respective teams and the revenue they helped generate for the institutions, they were not compensated for the widespread use of their names, faces, and performances in media and marketing campaigns.

The entities being sued, including the NCAA, Big Ten, and Big Ten Network, are seeking a dismissal of the lawsuit. They are relying on an obscure ruling from previous legal cases that blocks such claims from athletes who played prior to 2016, the year when NIL rights were first formally introduced in college athletics. The NCAA and other defendants argue that the lawsuit cannot move forward based on this precedent, effectively preventing former athletes from receiving compensation for their likenesses before the rules surrounding NIL were changed.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman John Simon (54) goes after Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson (16) in the second half of their NCAA football game at the Ohio Stadium, Novemver 27, 2010. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron) Osu 10 Um Ncl 1371 / NEAL C. LAURON / USA TODAY NETWORK

This legal battle represents a broader issue regarding the compensation of college athletes, especially those who played before the current NIL era. While current athletes can now benefit from their name, image, and likeness, many former players feel they were denied that same opportunity, leading them to pursue legal action for what they believe is a fair and rightful claim to compensation. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, potentially reshaping the way college athletics handles athlete compensation for years to come

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