NCAA settles with players in EA suit

The NCAA announced Monday it has reached a $20 million settlement with former Division I college football and basketball players over the use of their likeness in video games produced by EA Sports.

The money will be paid to plaintiffs led by former Arizona State quarter back Sam

Keller. The casewas due to go to trial in March 2015. Details of the settlement still are being finalized.

“Consistent with the terms of a court-approved settlement, the NCAA will allow a blanket eligibility waiver for any currently enrolled student-athletes who receive funds connected with the settlement,” NCAA chief legal officer Donald

Remy said in a statement. “In no event dowe consider this settlement pay for athletics performance.”

A similar case involving former UCLA basketball star Ed O’Bannon went to trial in Oakland, Calif., on Monday. In both cases, the former Division I athletes are claiming their images were used in broadcasts and video games without compensation.

EA Sports, whichis based in Maitland, and Collegiate Licensing Company previously agreed to a $40 million settlement with former college athletes. That settlement is pending court approval.

“With the games no longer in production and the plaintiffs settling their claims with EA and the Collegiate Licensing Company, the NCAA viewed a settlement no was an appropriate opportunity to provide complete closure to the video game plaintiffs,” Remy said.

Remy said the “unique” video game settlement does not affect the NCAA’s belief it operates in a lawful manner.

Winston defends his reputation

FSU quarterback Jameis

Winston is not pleased with the perception he is not intelligent.

Winston posted a video of himself on his Instagram account tossing a football, sprinting about 25 yards and catching it. Winston wrote, “did it once for the fans twice for the haters.”

Afew days later, Winston introduced the world to the “Boom Boom room.” The room, which appears to be in his childhood home of Bessemer, Ala., is adorned with his many awards and achievements.

During the first three videos, Winston films his old football, basketball and jerseys along with pictures of idols Vince Young and Mariano Rivera.

In the fourth video, he focuses on his academic awards.

“[For the people] that believe I am dumb, let me please reiterate, the academic wall. I made straight As and am continuing my success at Florida State, which I hold a 3.4 GPA. Thank you, have a nice day,” Winston said during the video.

Winston took advanced placement courses in high school and earned All-ACC academic honors last season, but some questioned his intelligence when he gave an emotional speech minutes after leading the Seminoles to a national title.

Dee Dee McCarron, mother of former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, posted on Twitter, “Am I listening to English?” after watching Winston’s interview. She later apologized and deleted the message.