Jameson Williams lawsuit, explained: Why Lions WR is suing the NCAA, Big Ten and SEC over NIL compensation

Jameson Williams lawsuit, explained: Why Lions WR is suing the NCAA, Big Ten and SEC over NIL compensation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jameson Williams' college football career ended five years ago. He still has the sport -- and its governing bodies -- in his sights.

On Monday, the Lions wideout formally sued the NCAA, Big Ten and SEC. The suit, filed in Los Angeles County, according to the California Post, alleges that the three entities have failed to pay Williams despite using his name, image and likeness.

Fresh off of back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns, Williams has established himself as one of the NFL's better pass-catchers. Before that, though, he was a collegian, setting off fireworks in Ohio State and Alabama colors.

After years of waiting, Williams is looking to collect the just rewards for his on-field production. He claims, among other things, that the NCAA, Big Ten and SEC prevented him from accessing those profits during his college career.

Here's what you need to know.

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Jameson Williams lawsuit, explained

Court documents obtained by the Post show that Williams wants a cut of revenue he would have received "but for the defendants' unlawful conduct." He also wants a portion of the "game telecast group licensing revenue" that the NCAA, Big Ten, and SEC earned off the back of his on-field-exploits.

In addition to financial compensation, Williams is also seeking an injunction against the defendants preventing them from using his name, image and likeness without his consent or compensation.

“To date, Williams has received no fair compensation from Defendants for the full commercial value of his name, image, and likeness,” Williams’ lawsuit states, per The Post. “Defendants continuously financially benefit from Jameson Williams’ name, image and likeness rights, while also doing so without providing him with just compensation.”