EA Denies NFL Lawsuit Rumors

[GTheorenHobbes]

Quote: Originally Posted by deaduck

No, I didn't follow it

That's the problem with your analogy...that, and some of the NFLPA emails that were used as evidence were to and from EA's people. In other words, EA knew what was happening, and the former players aren't going to have a hard time showing it.

[spit_bubble]

EA should take this opportunity to approach these retired players and forge some sort of deal to include them in the game, as well as settle out of court any past use of their likeness.

They all need to look at the bigger picture here: there is a market out there from which all involved can benefit. The retired players might very well stand to make more money in the long run if they come on board rather than take the matter to court.

Sure, it might sound good to these guys to get their piece of the pie by filing suit and pursuing justice... But they also potentially cut themselves off from any future revenue, as well as waste money on lawyer fees...

But they need to be shown this.

They need to have EA come to them with a long term plan to include them. It's really just a matter of pounding out a deal... Not always an easy task, I know... Especially with multiple parties involved, no real organization with the retired players, and perhaps a few bridges already burned... Still, this doesn't have to involve the courts, and would possibly be better for everyone in the long term if it didn't.

[GTheorenHobbes]

Quote: Originally Posted by koshi

They need to have EA come to them with a long term plan to include them. It's really just a matter of pounding out a deal... Not always an easy task, I know... Especially with multiple parties involved, no real organization with the retired players, and perhaps a few bridges already burned... Still, this doesn't have to involve the courts, and would possibly be better for everyone in the long term if it didn't.

I agree with you 110%, and think this could ultimately happen. However, when EA's spokespeople are still saying (as quoted in the article) that "This is a dispute between the retired players and their union," it sure doesn't help to rebuild those burned bridges.

[spit_bubble]

It's almost like once the ball of litigation gets rolling there's no stopping it. Now, these retired players have every right to go to court and their case seems legitimate, it just seems there is a better way.

It's unfeasible for a company to license these players individually. The only real way for a company to use their likenesses would be through small payments over the long term. Having an organization would be the best way to facilitate this, making it easier for players to join and get a paycheck they otherwise would not be getting.

[spit_bubble]

Also...

The incentive for EA here is not only to have the right to use these players, but also to have to avoid going to court. Obviously an agreement may be hard to come by, especially when considering the seemingly widening rift between Players, Inc. and the retired players...

But someone has to look at the bigger picture. Someone has to see the potential here, not just for the current retired players, but also future retired players.

If a retired players organization is formed, you bridge that gap between the current and former players, as well as put a plan in place for current players... To have something to provide for them when their careers are over.