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Ex-NFL and NCAA Players Suing EA Sports

by Warren Riddle on May 7, 2009 at 03:43 PM


EA Sports has dominated the sports-related gaming market since the early '90s, thanks to huge franchises like 'Madden NFL' football (which debuted in 1988) and 'NCAA Football' (started in 1993). Now, according to Joystiq, the company's two marquee titles are bringing it a little unwelcome criticism and two massive lawsuits.

The NFL lawsuit seems reasonable: A group of 2,062 former players -- who won a similar suit worth $28 million in damages against the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) last year -- are seeking royalties from EA Sports and John Madden, citing the fact that their likenesses continue to be used in 'Madden' games. Fresh off their win over the NFLPA, this group of retirees could pose some significant trouble for the giant gamemaker.


s we learned from SF Weekly, the most recent suit involves a disgruntled former college quarterback, Sam Keller, who has decided he wants a cut of the cash generated by 'NCAA Football' sales. He's arguing that, since the jersey numbers and likenesses of college athletes are used in EA games (as permitted by the NCAA), college athletes deserve a cut of the profits. He also noted that, even though no actual names are used, they are commonly uploaded and shared by individual gamers. The NCAA responded by saying that their agreement with EA "prohibits the use of names and pictures of current student-athletes."

We're sure all those former and current NCAA players are really moved by the noble gesture, Sam. Since he's only doing this with honorable intentions, we fully expect him -- if he wins -- to share the money with athletes at every university represented in the game. [From: Joystiq and SF Weekly]

Tags: ea sports, EaSports, electronic-arts, lawsuits, madden, ncaa football, NcaaFootball, sports, top, video games, VideoGames

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