Ohio State: Dismiss ex-player’s lawsuit over image use
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State wants a federal judge to dismiss a class-action lawsuit by one of its most famous football stars who alleges athletes’ images were used without their permission and without compensation.
In a sign of how closely aligned that star, Chris Spielman, is with the university, however, Ohio State also is pledging to work with him to resolve the dispute.
At issue is an antitrust complaint filed by Spielman in July that targeted Ohio State marketing programs and contracts that promote the university using likenesses of athletes. One example is a Honda-sponsored program of 64 banners hung around Ohio Stadium featuring photos of former players.
The lawsuit names Ohio State and talent management giant IMG as defendants and names Honda and Nike as co-conspirators. Nike is targeted for its “Legends of the Scarlet and Gray” vintage jersey licensing program and other apparel contracts with Ohio State.