N.F.L. Deal on Images Divides Retirees

Source: NY Times

By KEN BELSON

Athletes have long complained that they have not been fairly paid for the use of their images. A century ago, Honus Wagner supposedly objected when a tobacco company issued baseball cards with his face on them not because he opposed smoking, but because he was not compensated.

The players’ battle has become more complex since then because of television, video games and other technologies that have turned their images and likenesses into moneymaking content. Leagues have resisted paying retired players for using their images, arguing that they were already paid to play. Players have sued leagues seeking compensation and often failed.

In 2009, Fred Dryer and five other former players sued the N.F.L. on behalf of all retired players demanding that they be paid for the use of their images by NFL Films and the league. In March, the N.F.L. agreed to put $42 million in a common-good fund to help retired players find health care, housing and jobs, and to set up a licensing agency to promote the sale of the images of groups of players.

Given players’ customary lack of success in these disputes, some notable retirees hailed the plan. Jim Brown, a Hall of Fame running back, called the deal a “landmark for those who really need it.” He added that “for the first time in history, retired players will be represented at the table.”

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/05/sports/football/nfl-deal-on-use-of-images-divides-retirees.html?partner=EXCITE&ei=5043&_r=0

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Ray Stubblebine/Associated Press

Fred Dryer, left, with Fran Tarkenton in 1971. Dryer and others sued the N.F.L. in 2009 over the use of their images.