Ex-Michigan stars Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards file lawsuit against NCAA and Big Ten Network: Report

While investigations into the sign-stealing scandal involving former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh raves on, former Wolverines players Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards reportedly took legal action against the NCAA and Big Ten Network. Robinson and Edwards accused the two bodies of improperly using their name, image, and likeness (NIL) without consent, reported On3.

Robinson played quarterback for Michigan from 2009-12 while Edwards played wide receiver for the Wolverines from 2001-04.

The lawsuit has reportedly been filed as a class action in the Eastern District of Michigan and represents Michigan players who offered their services before 2016 and could not cash in on their NIL rights during their college careers. The suit follows a recent trend of former athletes seeking compensation for NIL-related infringements.

The court record on Tuesday read:

“While today, it is accepted and understood that current college football players are allowed to be compensated monetarily, especially for using their name, image and likeness (sometimes referred to as ‘NIL’), players were wrongfully and unlawfully prevented from doing so for decades. The NCAA knew it was wrong but still continued to profit.”

College sports continue to play tug of war between athletes and governing bodies with respect to NIL regulations. This case could set a major precedent for how past athletes are compensated moving forward.

What damages are Denard Robinson seeking?

The former Wolverines quarterback is allegedly suing the NCAA and Big Ten Network for substantial damages. Denard Robinson had some record-breaking years while playing in the Maize and Blue. The athlete who earned the 2010 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award is leading the class action suit alongside other former athletes.

In the 73-page filing, the NCAA faces severe claims of exploiting his "game-winning plays" and using his likeness for merchandising and highlight reels without compensation. The suit alleges that the defendants suppressed earnings from endorsements, media appearances and licensing opportunities without compensation to Robinson and others.

Pleading his case in front of the justice system, Denard Robinson reportedly seeks retroactive compensation for lost NIL earnings, economic damages from unfair competition and revenue sharing from media rights.

The lawsuit also alleges that the NCAA and its co-conspirators violated antitrust laws by restraining trade and artificially depressing the market value of athletes’ NIL rights.