Former Ohio State LB Chris Spielman "could go down as a pioneering legal champion for athletes’ rights" depending how his class action suit against the school plays out, according to Rob Oller of the COLUMBUS DISPATCH. The case "could have further impact" beyond the involved parties, including whether a "current or former athlete owns the rights to his name and likeness despite having signed a waiver to forfeit such rights." The stakes are "potentially explosive, extending beyond both Ohio State and the NCAA." The lawsuit at minimum is "another wake-up call that current and former college athletes increasingly are unwilling to sit by as the NCAA, universities, administrators and coaches make money off the players’ talents" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 7/18). SEC Network's Marcus Spears said he is a "proponent for players being able to capitalize on who they are as a person" as it "creates a revenue stream for them." Spears: "Some of these kids are coming from backgrounds where they ... absolutely have to help their families at some point. That’s before they can go pro, and going pro is not guaranteed." He added Spielman's lawsuit is a "step in the right direction.” ESPN’s Emmanuel Acho said, “You have to be able to pay students if nothing else but for their likeness." He added Spielman filing suit against his alma mater is "what throws me for a loop." Acho: "I wouldn't want to ruffle feathers with my former alma mater. That's my big issue” (“College Football Live,” ESPN, 7/17).
