Nebraska Esports Champions After 'Fair Play' Protest Triumphs Over Stalemates

The University of Nebraska has issued a statement in response to a Yahoo Sports report regarding the football team. Ross Dellenger has reported that 18 Nebraska football players are becoming the first players to officially challenge the College Sports Commission over the rejection of Name, Image, and Likeness deals from third parties. The rejected deals were reportedly worth more than a million dollars in total.

Nebraska's players will now move to arbitration and according to the Yahoo report, all 18 athletes have consolidated their cases into a combined effort. The CSC clearinghouse, NIL Go, must vet all third-party NIL deals worth more than $600. Dellinger also reports that athletes at multiple universities are watching the Nebraska case and are considering filing for arbitration over other rejected NIL contracts, depending on the results of the challenge.

The University of Nebraska issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon acknowledging the situation. "The University of Nebraska is aware of the arbitration proceeding. Out of respect for the confidentiality of that process, the University of Nebraska will have no additional comment.

" Per Yahoo Sports, a neutral arbitrator will be assigned and the process is expected to last no more than 45 days. If an independent arbitrator rules in favor of the CSC's decision, the potential NIL deal must be declined, or the payment returned if the athlete has already been compensated. If the players win, they are eligible to strike a deal or keep the compensation if one has already been made.