COLUMBUS – Buckeye legend Chris Spielman is leading a class-action lawsuit against his alma mater that alleges improper use of ex-athletes’ likenesses.
The antitrust complaint accuses Ohio State and talent management giant IMG of using athletes’ likenesses in promotional campaigns that rob the athletes of compensation.
A statement released Friday by the university’s Department of Athletics acknowledged the lawsuit and said OSU “immensely” values its relationships with its former athletes.
“We immensely value our relationships with all of our former student athletes. Ohio State is aware of the lawsuit that Chris Spielman has filed, and we are in the process of reviewing it.” – Gene Smith, Director of Athletics
The lawsuit seeks $75,000 in damages, according to a report in the Columbus Dispatch, and Spielman has said he would donate any money awarded back to the university.
Spielman played linebacker at Ohio State from 1985 to 1987. He was a two-time All-American and three-time Big Ten player, and winner of the 1987 Lombardi Award honoring the country’s top defensive player. He set a school record for career solo tackles with 283.
A major breast cancer research center at Ohio State carries the name of his late wife, Stefanie Spielman, who died of cancer in 1999.
Spielman filed the lawsuit Friday in federal court in Columbus on behalf of current and former Ohio State football players, including running back Archie Griffin, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1974 and 1975.
Among programs targeted by the lawsuit is a Honda-sponsored collection of 64 banners hung around Ohio Stadium featuring photos of former players.
The lawsuit wants the marketing programs stopped and the ex-athletes compensated.