COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Ohio State is asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit by one of its most famous football stars who alleges the university used ex-athletes’ photos without permission and robbed them of compensation.
The suit was filed this summer by former linebacker Chris Spielman.
Among programs targeted by the lawsuit is a Honda-sponsored collection of 64 banners hung around Ohio Stadium featuring photos of former players, including Spielman.
The class-action lawsuit wants the marketing programs stopped and the ex-athletes compensated.
The university on Monday asked federal Judge Michael Watson to dismiss Spielman’s lawsuit, saying it’s not a matter for federal court.
The university also says Spielman hasn’t met the legal burden required in antitrust lawsuits.
