On the same day that news broke that the NCAA was investigating the Tennesee Volunteers football program for potential violations of the organization’s name, image, and likeness policies, it looks like that policy is now getting challenged in court.
As reported by college football insider Pete Thamel of ESPN, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares have filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA challenging its NIL policy.
“Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares have filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging that their restrictions on the ability of current and future student-athletes to negotiate and benefit from their Name, Image, and Likeness rights (NIL) violate federal antitrust law and is harmful to current and future student-athletes,” a statement read, via Thamel.
Continued: “They take particular issue with the fact that prospective student-athletes are: prevented from negotiating with collectives;
unable to review NIL offers prior to making enrollment decisions; and cannot adequately consider the full scope of NIL-related services a…— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 31, 2024
“They take particular issue with the fact that prospective student-athletes are: prevented from negotiating with collectives; unable to review NIL offers prior to making enrollment decisions; and cannot adequately consider the full scope of NIL-related services a school might offer after enrollment.”
Obviously, this is pretty horrible news for the NCAA as the organization is widely expected to lose this lawsuit, which could have wide-reaching ramifications.
Attorneys General are having a moment right now fighting with the NCAA. And, chances are, they'll win their cases. https://t.co/k7zqpo0FL3
— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) January 31, 2024
And just like that, the NCAA lost all its power. https://t.co/0rauUBIA0b
— Josh's Journal 🍊🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@Joshes_Journal) January 31, 2024
Time for all 48 other states to join in and end the NCAA power to destroy programs. @GregSankey as Commissioner and the rest of AD's of power 5 school's on the board.. NCAA out the door! https://t.co/iLG8dkfElX
— LEGEND.. Finebaum Caller CHAMPION 🏆 (@TheLegend120139) January 31, 2024
*Attorneys General
NCAA gonna lose this one https://t.co/qSGZeCbbto
— The Victory Bell (@VictoryBellOSU) January 31, 2024
who could have possibly seen this coming! https://t.co/IwFvCj7BMB
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) January 31, 2024
This certainly does not look good for the NCAA. We’ll have to see how the court case plays out and what changes take place if the NCAA does lose the legal battle, as many expect.
