A few years ago, Ed O’Bannon was at the center of a lawsuit involving the idea NCAA players should be paid for having their likeness used in video games and other platforms.
The NCAA ended up reaching a $20 million settlement with former football and basketball players whose likenesses were used in video games. Video game manufacturer EA Sports reached a settlement as well, agreeing to pay $40 million.
As a result, there hasn’t been an edition of the EA Sports NCAA Football game since 2013. While many fans of the popular video game have grown to not like O’Bannon, those who have had their likeness used for profits, obviously, don’t feel the same way. However, now some are being compensated. Among them is former Notre Dame basketball player Jordan Cornette.
Now a college basketball analyst for CBS Sports and color commentator for Notre Dame, Cornette tweeted a photo on Tuesday of an NCAA/EA likeness settlement check he received for $485.93.
My NCAA/EA Likeness Settlement. Not a lot, but I will take anything I can from NCAA. Sorry gamers. pic.twitter.com/3VDAJ7oH7t
— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) April 12, 2016
Cornette also took a moment to thank O’Bannon, who responded that this is a step in the right direction.
indeed @jordancornette ..steps in the right direction
— Ed O'Bannon (@Ed_OBannon) April 12, 2016
In a video for Campus Insiders, Cornette spoke about the settlement and how he was portrayed in the EA Sports March Madness 2003 video game.
Checks received for the settlement range from $400 to as much as $2,000. Although the one received by Cornette is on the lower end, it’s still a decent amount and, as Cornette said, represents a win for the exploited athlete.
