Redskins’ Pierre Garçon files class-action suit against FanDuel

Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garçon has filed a class-action lawsuit against FanDuel on behalf of NFL players, claiming that the company “knowingly and improperly exploits [their] popularity and performance” without their permission.

Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garçon has filed a class-action lawsuit against FanDuel on behalf of NFL players, claiming that the company “knowingly and improperly exploits [their] popularity and performance” without their permission.

The lawsuit also claims that the names and likenesses of some NFL players are used without proper authorization in television ads to collect “huge revenues from entry fees” on a routine basis, and that the popularity and performances of players like Garçon are the only reason the company’s business model works.

A class action lawsuit filed by attorneys for Redskins WR Pierre Garçon (on behalf of all NFL players) vs FanDuel. pic.twitter.com/mUVXLANGve

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 30, 2015

Garçon​ issued the following statement in regards to the suit:

I am bringing this lawsuit against FanDuel for using my name, image, and likeness in both daily fantasy contests and through advertising on TV ads and infomercials. FanDuel has taken the liberty to engage in these actions without my consent and without proper licensing rights. As a result of these activities, FanDuel daily fantasy contests have shown increasing revenues leading to large profits. Therefore, on behalf of myself as well as any other players who are being treated unjustly, I chose to file a complaint. I have been advised by my attorneys not to speak any further on the topic while the case is pending. Any other questions regarding this matter can be addressed to my agent, Brad Cicala.

DraftKings has a licensing agreement with the NFLPA, while FanDuel does not.

In 2014, Garçon’s Twitter account sent a series of tweets promoting FanDuel:

- Kenny Ducey