Former Ohio State LB Chris Spielman suing school for use of player images

Former Ohio State All-American linebacker Chris Spielman is suing his alma mater to block the school from using player images in promotions without their consent, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Spielman, a two-time All-American at Ohio State and three-time All-Pro with the Detroit Lions, is suing the football powerhouse individually and as an “equity member of Profectus Group, DBA: The College Football Players Club,” the lawsuit, filed Friday, states. He is also suing Nike, Honda and the IMG Sports Radio Network.

Fellow Ohio State alum and two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin echoed his support for the lawsuit in a statement:

“Although I am not the named Plaintiff in the class action litigation, I am in full support of the right of former athletes to receive compensation from corporations and universities who benefit from the unauthorized use of players names and likenesses. There is no greater supporter of collegiate athletics that me, and I will be forever greatful for the opportunities provided to me as a former student athlete. However, the recent landscape of collegiate athletics has changed, and these institutions and corporations have a duty to treat all former athletes fairly. As long as the players and universities partner together, this will be a “win-win” situation for all.

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