NCAA files motions that could delay Ed O'Bannon trial
The NCAA filed motions that could push the Ed O'Bannon antitrust lawsuit trial back. (Isaac Brekken, AP Photo)
The NCAA filed several motions in federal courts this week, seeking rulings that could delay the start of the antitrust lawsuit brought by former UCLA basketball player Ed O'Bannon and others, reports the Associated Press.
The NCAA wants the court to reconsider a ruling that said the NCAA can't use a defense that money from sports like football and basketball is used to fund smaller sports and women's sports.
The NCAA is also seeking a trial postponement until a $40 million settlement reached last year between the plaintiffs and Electronic Arts Sports and others can be finalized.
The trial is set to start June 9.
O'Bannon originally sued the NCAA saying he was portrayed in a video game when he was a member of the 1995 UCLA national title team. He says that the NCAA used and profited off of his image without his consent.
STAPLES: Ed O'Bannon v. the NCAA: A complete case primer
More from the Associated Press:
"The issue is extremely important; the court's ruling, if upheld, could fundamentally alter the nature of amateur athletics and raises First Amendment issues of enormous consequence," NCAA lawyers wrote in filings this week.
"They are significant in the fact they express a great deal of desperation and lack of conviction in their position," said attorney Michael Hausfeld. "No one files this many briefs in both district court and the court of appeals on this variety of issues unless you feel you have a particular vulnerability."
