4 former Michigan stars sue NCAA, Big Ten Network

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Four former Michigan football stars are suing the NCAA and the Big Ten Network for unjustly capitalizing on their name, image and likeness.

A lawyer representing Denard Robinson, Braylon Edwards, Mike Martin and Shawn Crable filed the lawsuit Tuesday in the U.S. District Court of Eastern Michigan . It accuses the parties of four counts: unreasonable restraint of trade, unreasonable restraint of trade group boycott or refusal to deal, conspiracy to restrain trade and unjust enrichment.

The NCAA agreed to massive settlement over NIL issues earlier this year, agreeing to pay nearly $3 billion to former student-athletes dating back to June 15, 2016.

All four plaintiffs in the lawsuit had finished their college days before then, so they are not covered in the settlement — yet their name, image and likeness are still being used by both parties.

In the complaint, the group says they are working to right a wrong.

“While today, it is accepted and understood that current college football players are allowed to be compensated monetarily … players were wrongfully and unlawfully prevented from doing so for decades,” the complaint reads. “The NCAA knew it was wrong but still continued to profit.”

The plaintiffs argue that the system restricted them from significant financial gain — and not just them, but also all University of Michigan athletes.

“Numerous other former University of Michigan football players have similarly created unforgettable moments that the NCAA and its partners have repeatedly monetized,” the lawsuit says, mentioning the Wolverines’ iconic upset win over Ohio State in 1969, Desmond Howard’s “Heisman” pose in 1991, and the 1997 national championship team.

While all four left their mark on the Wolverines’ program, Robinson is likely the most famous. “Shoelace” starred as Michigan’s quarterback from 2010 through 2012, using his elite speed to lead a slashing running game. He still holds the NCAA season record for rushing yards by a quarterback (1,702) and career rushing yards by a quarterback (4,495).

Robinson had returned to the program in 2022 as a personnel staffer but resigned from his position earlier this year after a drunk driving arrest .

Edwards was an elite receiver for the Wolverines from 2001 through 2004. He caught 39 touchdowns for the maize and blue and racked up more than 3,500 receiving yards. One of his biggest games was the 2004 showdown with Michigan State, where Edwards hauled in 11 catches for 189 yards and three scores to lead Michigan past the Spartans in a triple-overtime thriller.

Redford-native Martin played along the defensive line from 2008 through 2011, helping lead Brady Hoke’s team to an 11-2 season and a Sugar Bowl victory as a senior.

Crable was another elite defender, playing in Ann Arbor from 2005 through 2007. His senior year, he led the Big Ten in tackles for a loss (29), which was second-best in the country that year.

The lawsuit does not mention the University of Michigan as a defendant.

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