NCAA reaches $20 million settlement in EA case

The NCAA announced a $20 million settlement on Monday with former college athletes over their likeness being used in college football and college basketball games from Electronic Arts.

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This settlement comes on the heels of a similar case that resulted in a $40 million payout to former NCAA athletes, bringing the total payout to a $60 million sum, according to Steve Berman, an attorney for the plaintiffs, and the NCAA.

“I think it sets a precedent in that regard that if you’re going to use a player’s likeness in this regard, that you’re going to have to pay for it,” Berman told The Associated Press.

This case was set to go to trial in March of 2015 and was headed up by former Arizona State and Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller. The case will impact more than 100,000 current and former athletes who will receive financial compensation.

“With the games no longer in production and the plaintiffs settling their claims with EA and the Collegiate Licensing Company, the NCAA viewed a settlement now as an appropriate opportunity to provide complete closure to the video game plaintiffs,” NCAA Chief Legal Officer Donald Remy said.

Berman estimated that the amount of money each person will receive will be around $400 to “a couple of thousand dollars” in the first occurrence of college athletes being compensated for their on-the-field performances.

What do you make of the settlement in this case? Do you think the athletes should receive more compensation for Electronic Arts using their likeness and refusing to cut them in on marketing deals?

Sound off in the comments section below with how much you believe the former athletes should be paid.

[Quotes from ESPN]

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