Six former East Mississippi Community College football players featured in the hit Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U” have filed a $30 million lawsuit against the school, the streaming giant, and others involved in the show’s production. The ex-EMCC players – John Franklin III, Ronald Ollie, C.J. Reavis, Deandre Johnson, Tim Bonner and Isaiah Wright – claim they were not fairly compensated for their contributions to the project and that their images were misappropriated.
Players Allege Coercion and Misrepresentation
In the complaint filed in Los Angeles County superior court, the players allege that they were pressured into signing contracts without proper legal counsel or time to fully review the terms. They claim they were told they would not be allowed to practice, which would jeopardize their football careers, if they did not sign the agreements.
The most coercive tactic defendants used upon the plaintiffs was telling them if they did not sign the contracts, they were not eligible to practice. In turn, they would not be eligible to play games, and their football skills would deteriorate.
– John Pierce, lawyer for the plaintiffs
The players also assert that at no point were they made aware that the documentary footage would be marketed for commercial use, nor did they receive any compensation for East Mississippi Community College’s sales of merchandise related to their portrayals in the series.
Seeking $30 Million in Damages
The lawsuit names East Mississippi Community College, Netflix, the National Junior College Athletic Association, director Greg Whiteley, and production company Conde Nast Entertainment as defendants. The players are seeking $30 million in damages for:
- Misappropriation of their likenesses
- Lack of compensation for their contributions
- False light portrayals damaging to their reputations (Wright, Ollie, Franklin)
The first two seasons of the Emmy-nominated “Last Chance U” focused on the EMCC Lions football team, known for providing elite athletes with troubled pasts a final opportunity to turn their lives around and earn a Division 1 scholarship. Franklin, Ollie and Reavis played for EMCC in 2015, while Johnson, Bonner and Wright were featured in the 2016 season.
Implications for Athlete Image Rights
This high-profile lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate around student-athlete compensation and image rights, particularly in an era where their stories are increasingly monetized through various media platforms. As streaming services continue to produce sports documentaries featuring amateur athletes, the need for clear and fair contracts, as well as potential revenue-sharing models, has become more pressing.
The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how student-athletes are compensated and protected when participating in commercial documentaries or other media projects. It also underscores the importance of providing young athletes with access to proper legal representation and education about their rights in an increasingly complex media landscape.
As the lawsuit progresses, it will be closely watched by those in the sports, entertainment, and legal communities, as it could have far-reaching implications for the future of student-athlete rights and the booming sports documentary genre.
