Lawsuit Filed Against NCAA Regarding NIL Rules Following Tennessee Football Investigation
On Wednesday, the attorneys general of Tennessee and Virginia filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging its prohibition on the use of name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation in the recruitment of college athletes. This legal action is also a response to the NCAA’s investigation into the University of Tennessee.
The lawsuit, submitted in the Eastern District of Tennessee, aims to challenge NCAA rules regarding recruiting inducements and alleges that the association is enforcing regulations that unjustly restrict how athletes can commercially utilize their name, image, and likeness, particularly during a crucial period in the recruiting calendar.
The legal challenge follows the University of Tennessee’s criticism of the NCAA’s investigation into potential recruiting violations related to NIL deals between athletes and an organization funded and operated by boosters, providing opportunities for Volunteers athletes to benefit from their fame.
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges the NCAA is facing, including a separate lawsuit by state attorneys general challenging transfer rules and antitrust suits addressing employment status for athletes and television revenue issues. NCAA president Charlie Baker and other sports leaders have been advocating for federal regulation of NIL compensation and an antitrust exemption to allow the association to govern without constant legal battles.
The recent NCAA investigation into Tennessee, specifically scrutinizing the NIL contract between five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Spyre Sports Group’s NIL collective, triggered a scathing response from the university’s chancellor, Donde Plowman. Plowman accused the NCAA of creating chaos with vague and contradictory guidance on NIL over the past 2 1/2 years, stating that the association is failing in providing clear rules.
Tennessee’s athletic director, Danny White, and Governor Bill Lee expressed support for the university in light of the lawsuit. White commended Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti for standing up for athletes’ rights, emphasizing the university’s commitment to supporting student-athletes. Governor Lee thanked Chancellor Plowman for taking a stand on behalf of all universities and student-athletes.
The lawsuit contends that the NCAA’s NIL-recruiting ban violates federal antitrust laws, obstructs the free market, and unfairly restricts student-athletes. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares asserted on social media that they are taking the NCAA to court, claiming that the NIL-recruiting ban infringes upon antitrust laws and unfairly limits student-athletes.
