U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken on Thursday "orally approved" a combined $60M settlement that "ended claims against video-game manufacturer Electronic Arts, Collegiate Licensing Company and the NCAA over the use of players' names, images and likenesses in video games," according to Jon Solomon of CBSSPORTS.com. Plaintiffs attorney Steve Berman said that the "maximum amount a player could receive from the settlements is about $7,200" at the moment. But it is "possible the dollar amount for players will increase." Plaintiffs attorney Rob Carey said it is "very possible" that Wilken will reduce attorneys' fees from 33% of the settlement to 30%. Solomon noted if that happens, the pool of money "would increase for athletes who make claims." After Wilken "formally approves the settlement, a 30-day objection period will occur for appeals." Current football and men's basketball players who "played during the period the video games existed are eligible for money without losing their NCAA eligibility." About 400 to 450 current athletes as of last week "had made claims" (CBSSPORTS.com, 7/16).
