Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, and Big Ten Over Uncompensated NIL Use

Detroit Lions wide receiver and former Alabama standout Jameson Williams is suing the NCAA, Big Ten, and SEC, alleging that they used his name, image, and likeness (NIL) without providing compensation.

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Williams filed the lawsuit on Monday in Los Angeles County, California, according to the New York Post. He is formally suing for violations of the Cartwright Act, the Unfair Practices Act, the Sherman Antitrust Act, and the Lanham Act.

The 25-year-old receiver played at Ohio State during the 2019 and 2020 seasons before transferring to Alabama. There, he helped the Crimson Tide win the SEC Championship over Georgia and reach the College Football Playoff national championship game. Despite tearing his ACL in the second half of that game, Williams was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

In his two seasons at Ohio State, Williams recorded 15 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns. In his lone season at Alabama, he tallied 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also returned 10 kickoffs, averaging 35.2 yards per return, and scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns.

In his lawsuit, Williams is seeking payment for past use of his NIL (name, image, and likeness) by the NCAA, the Big Ten, and the SEC. He is also seeking an injunction to prevent further use without his consent.

According to the New York Post, Williams’ lawsuit states: “Williams has received no fair compensation from Defendants for the full commercial value of his name, image, and likeness. Defendants continuously financially benefit from Jameson Williams’ name, image, and likeness rights, while also doing so without providing him with just compensation.”

Williams also stated that he wants “the social media earnings that [he] would have received but for Defendants’ unlawful conduct,” as well as a share of “the game telecast group licensing revenue,” which the lawsuit claims was earned from his performance on the football field.

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