In a notable legal twist, a U.S. district judge tossed out a lawsuit from former Michigan football players against the NCAA, Big Ten Network, and Big Ten Conference. The suit, filed in September 2024, claimed these players were unfairly denied financial compensation for the use of their names, images, and likenesses (NIL) during their college days before 2016.
This case included big names like Braylon Edwards, Denard Robinson, Mike Martin, and Shawn Crable. It felt like a flashpoint in the long-running debate about whether college athletes should get paid.
The Dismissal of the Lawsuit
The players argued that the NCAA and its partners had made money off athletes’ NIL rights for years without paying them a cent. They said this was a *clear antitrust injury*, cutting them out of potential endorsement deals, media gigs, merchandise revenues, and licensing cash.
According to court filings, the plaintiffs listed 20 different examples of damages they wanted to recover.
Key Players Involved
The lawsuit’s main faces were former Michigan Wolverines, including:
- Braylon Edwards
- Denard Robinson
- Mike Martin
- Shawn Crable
These guys weren’t just fighting for themselves—they stood for a whole generation of college players who felt shortchanged by NCAA policies.
Legal Arguments and Court’s Decision
The NCAA, Big Ten Network, and Big Ten Conference fired back with a motion to dismiss in January, saying the claims were *time-barred*. Basically, they argued the statute of limitations had run out.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Terrence Berg sided with them and dismissed the case.
Implications of the Ruling
Current college athletes can now make money off their NIL thanks to recent NCAA rule changes. But this case really shines a light on the financial struggles faced by former players who missed out before these changes kicked in.
If you want all the details, check out the full CBS News Detroit article here.
Attorney’s Response and Future Steps
Jim Acho, the lawyer for the former Michigan players, wasn’t thrilled with the ruling. Still, he sounded hopeful.
He said his clients plan to appeal, drawing on his experience with NFL concussion cases. *Many of those had to be won on appeal. Sometimes you need to go through the appellate process to get justice,* Acho said.
Potential Outcomes of the Appeal
If the appeal works out, the case could be revived. That would be a big deal for other former college athletes hoping for compensation for their old NIL rights.
It’s hard to say what’ll happen, but the outcome could nudge college sports organizations to rethink how they handle athlete pay.
The Broader Context of NIL Rights
NIL rights have been a sore spot in college sports for ages. The NCAA used to have strict rules that kept athletes from making money off their own names, even as schools and TV networks cashed in on their performances.
That lopsided system got plenty of criticism and calls for change.
Recent Changes in NCAA Policies
Under pressure, the NCAA finally changed its policies in 2021. Now, college athletes can get paid for their NIL through endorsements, sponsorships, and other deals.
But those new rules didn’t do anything for players who competed before the change. The lawsuit from the former Michigan players was an attempt to fix that, arguing they deserved a shot at the money they missed out on.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The lawsuit’s dismissal made waves in the sports world. A lot of people were pretty disappointed.
Supporters of athlete pay say the decision just proves how much more work needs to be done to make things fair for all athletes, not just the current ones.
Media Coverage
Big outlets like CBS News Detroit have been all over the story, breaking down the arguments and what the ruling could mean. The coverage has definitely helped get more eyes on the bigger NIL debate.
If you want a deeper dive, you can read the full CBS News Detroit article here.
Conclusion
The lawsuit brought by former Michigan football players against the NCAA, Big Ten Network, and Big Ten Conference has been dismissed. This decision lands right in the middle of the ongoing debate about athlete compensation in college sports.
Right now, the ruling favors the defendants. But with an appeal on the table, who knows? Things could shift, and that might set a new standard for similar cases down the road.
The conversation around NIL rights just keeps changing. It feels more important than ever to push for fair treatment and compensation for all athletes, not just the current stars.
We’ll keep an eye on this case and any other twists in sports law. Honestly, it’s hard to say what’s coming next.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
