The section’s program concerns issues surrounding the litigation commenced by Ed O’Bannon, former celebrated UCLA basketball standout, on behalf of other former collegiate student athletes against the NCAA and the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). The plaintiffs assert that the NCAA engages in anticompetitive activity by requiring student athletes to forgo their identity rights in perpetuity and in authorizing the use of their “likeness” in game rebroadcasts, DVD sales, photos, video games, without compensating those student athletes either after they graduate or stop participating in NCAA sports. According to the plaintiffs, the conduct of the NCAA and that of its licensing company constitutes restraint of trade in violation of the Sherman Act. If the federal courts, and ultimately the United States Supreme Court, rule in favor of O’Bannon, there will be fundamental changes in collegiate athletics and in how student athletes are compensated. Panelists and scholars responding to the Section’s Call for Papers will carefully consider, not only how the courts should rule, but will also investigate the potential impact on intercollegiate athletics of a decision favoring O’Bannon or the NCAA.
Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.