Eight Nebraska Football Players File Lawsuit Against Big Ten Due to Postponed Season

A new report has arrived indicating that eight players from the Nebraska Cornhuskers have officially filed a lawsuit against the Big Ten. The suit is their attempt to get a reversal of the conference decision to postpone this coming fall football season. The news arrives after 11 Nebraska football players’ families were part of an open letter to the Big Ten commissioner last week.

Report includes eight Nebraska football players named in complaint vs. Big Ten

Evan Bland of the Omaha World-Herald obtained a 13-page complaint document which is looking to reverse the Big Ten’s postponed season. In addition, the lawsuit is looking for further clarification about how the Big Ten leadership arrived at their decision. 

Based on the complaint, the lawsuit involves Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Alante Brown, long snapper Brig Banks, and safety Noa Pola-Gates. Also named are offensive linemen Ethan Piper and Brant Branks as well as linebackers Jackson Hannah, Garrett Nelson, and Garrett Snodgrass.

The lawsuits cites the basis for the decision to postpone the season was “unjustified” due to incorrect medical information. While speaking to the media, players attorney Mike Flood said they aren’t in this for the money or damage. Instead, “It’s about real-life relief,” Flood said.

“Our clients want to know whether there was a vote and the details of any vote, and whether the Big Ten followed its own rules in reaching its decision,” Flood said with regards to the lawsuit. “Sadly, these student-athletes have no other recourse than filing a lawsuit against their conference.”

As mentioned, 11 families of Nebraska football players were part of an open letter to the Big Ten commissioner last week. That letter asked for answers about the postponed season.

The lawsuit document raises complaints including wrongful interference with business expectations, breach of contract, and declaratory judgement. Based on the lawsuit, the represented players won’t seek or accept damages of more than $75,000 in any legal action. 

In a simple comment on the lawsuit filed by players, the Big Ten Conference responded that it has “no merit.”

Other Power 5 conferences set to play

Of the Power 5 conferences, the Big Ten is one of two that chose to postpone its fall season. The other is the Pac-12. Meanwhile, the ACC, Big 12, and SEC all have plans to play a modified schedule beginning in September 2020.

Meanwhile, the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences are looking towards playing schedules in the Spring. That said, it would make for an interesting adjustment as teams from the conferences traditionally play each other in College Bowl games or the College Football Playoffs (CFP) to determine a National Champion.

In addition to college football teams playing, it appears NFL football will still go forth as well. However, the NFL canceled its preseason games ahead of the 2020-21 season.