SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than a dozen former student-athletes are suing the NCAA in an effort to compensate collegiate athletes.
Former basketball star Ed O’Bannon and quarterback Sam Keller filed two of the eight lawsuits consolidated into one action in San Francisco federal court. Legal analysts say the lawsuits are the most significant challenge the NCAA has faced over the compensation debate.
O’Bannon accuses the NCAA of antitrust violations, alleging it prevents him from receiving royalties when his image is marketed. Keller is suing over the NCAA’s deal with Electronic Arts Inc., which he says markets video games using players’ images without compensation.
The NCAA denies the allegations and argues that it does nothing to hinder O’Bannon and the other former athletes’ ability to market themselves.
