NCAA versus EA

[donovan]

My legal opinions are pretty well confined to OJ was guilty. Well, there are others that are equally non-consequential. So as to the following law suit I present this as a matter of interest, (I have a disclaimer: A son has his name on three years of the games, although his likeness is not accurate for two of the years, wrong race...but the name and number were right). I do think the NCAA does not like the fact they may have to become accountable for the exploitation of athletes that goes beyond providing a level playing field for all to participate.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9486048/ncaa-not-renewing-contract-ea-sports-video-games

PS I think the NCAA may have to look at the future differently, but can not imagine they should be held responsible for how this played up until this point. I can be persuaded either way.

[Spence]

I think if the NCAA allowed likenesses of players to be exploited in the games they have broken their own rules.

They should pay a fee to the people who's likeness they allowed to be used. I'm not for paying players to play football. They traded the game for a scholarship. But this is outside that and shouldn't be part of the price of a scholarship. These players aren't the property of the NCAA, but the NCAA treats them like it.

[Eric]

Well, what EA Sports does is basically have the player in the game, just without the name. Texas A&M's QB is "QB #2", 6'2, 205lb redshirt sophomore that can scramble

Most college athletes don't care. Just about everybody likes playing as themselves. This is evident considering Sam Keller and one former basketball player are the only guys to have ever filed a complaint. What EA Sports has done with the new generation of consoles is to allow users to share downloadable roster files. This means that guys or groups of guys can sit around and name all of the players who already have mostly correct attributes, add transfers, remove guys kicked off teams, name coaches, etc. Then they can send the file out to anybody who wants one. I download the named rosters because it's more fun to play that way. I play the games, so I'm biased. I don't think the players are harmed in any way by this.

[Eric]

I'm glad that EA said they still plan on making the new games, just without the NCAA involved. I guess every school deals with their individual licensing through the Collegiate Licensing Corporation, so it sounds like they'll still get to use all conference, bowl, logo, and team information.

[Spence]

I still think that money from this should go to the players. At least collectively. The schools or the NCAA should have the right to use their likeness beyond the football field without compensating them. It is wrong.

[billybud]

If they are not using player's names, I see no problem.

If they don't use a "likeness" in the artwork and don't issue names, I can't see the players having equity.

I think it is misguided to assume that college players should all be paid just because some money is made off of college football.

What's next? Maybe a percentage of gate receipts at the stadium, signing bonuses, agents, endorsements...NFL junior?

Bah!

[Spence]

If they are not using player's names, I see no problem.

If they don't use a "likeness" in the artwork and don't issue names, I can't see the players having equity.

I think it is misguided to assume that college players should all be paid just because some money is made off of college football.

What's next? Maybe a percentage of gate receipts at the stadium, signing bonuses, agents, endorsements...NFL junior?

Bah!

The gate reciepts and such are part of the scholarship agreement. They don't use their names but they use the players exact height, weight, and number. At some point it moves way beyond a scholarship agreement.

[donovan]

it is never as simple as it seems. Personally, who cares.

http://kotaku.com/5944771/ea-sports-coded-college-games-with-real-names-say-lawsuit-emails

[billybud]

Yep...Today is not a day that I care....got bad test results this morning. A radiation regime is in my near future.

That might slow down my planned migration to North Carolina a little.

[Cane from the Bend]

Sorry to here that Billybud. I will hope & wish the best for you.

.

.

.

[billybud]

Thanks...

[Eric]

Sorry to hear about that, Billybud. I hope it's a speedy recovery.

[donovan]

Dang...My thoughts are with you, my friend. Donovan

[RazorHawk]

billybud, hoping for the best.

[Spence]

Yep...Today is not a day that I care....got bad test results this morning. A radiation regime is in my near future.

That might slow down my planned migration to North Carolina a little.

Sorry to hear that. Good luck with the fight my friend.