• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 15, 2025
Tuned In is Almost Sold Out! Limited Tickets Remain!

Nebraska Football Players Sue Big Ten Over Season Postponement

  • Players are demanding that the Big Ten admit its reasons for postponing the season were flawed and are seeking up to $75,000 in monetary damages.
  • While the suit may not have legs, it mounts extra pressure on Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, according to one legal expert.
nebraska-players-sue-big-ten
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

A lawsuit filed on Aug. 27 by Nebraska football players accused the Big Ten of breach of contract for postponing the season. Players are asking for the Big Ten to renounce its reasons to postpone the season and admit those reasons were flawed so that they can compete this fall. They’re also seeking up to $75,000 in damages. 

“This lawsuit isn’t about money or damages, it’s about real-life relief,” Mike Flood, an attorney representing the players, wrote in a statement. “Sadly, these student athletes have no other recourse than filing a lawsuit against their conference. … Our clients must take their claims to the Courthouse to find the justice and fairness they have been denied the Big Ten Conference that has failed to answer basic questions.”

Among other grievances, the suit referenced the fact that multiple Big Ten university presidents made public statements saying that the presidents council had never taken a formal vote regarding whether to postpone the season. The suit also claims that  “athletic directors at all fourteen Big Ten institutions were in favor of playing the 2020 fall football season.”

Some players potentially stand to lose millions if they don’t have a chance to play football this fall, given that improving their game tape and draft stock could score them major contracts in the upcoming NFL draft, Front Office Sports previously reported

While Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren initially refused to disclose details regarding the alleged vote or specific reasons behind why the conference canceled, he released an open letter last week assuring that the decision was final. Warren also provided multiple factors in the decision-making process, including concerns about long-term health effects of COVID-19 and rising cases.

Front Office Sports has previously reported on myocarditis, a potentially lethal heart inflammation condition and complication of COVID-19 that has concerned conference officials.

“The Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) overwhelmingly voted to postpone the fall sports season based on medical concerns and in the best interest of the health and safety of our student-athletes. This was an important decision for our 14 member institutions and the surrounding communities,” the Big Ten said in a statement.

“We share the disappointment that some student-athletes and their families are feeling. However, this lawsuit has no merit and we will defend the decision to protect all student-athletes as we navigate through this global pandemic. We are actively considering options to get back to competition and look forward to doing so when it is safe to play.”

In a statement to Front Office Sports, sports law expert Dan Lust explained whether he believes the lawsuit has legs. “Nebraska players are asking for an injunction to stop the Big Ten from implementing a formal cancellation of fall football,” Lust wrote. “It’s very difficult to prevail and override the conference’s bylaws absent proof of egregious conduct. Although Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren refuses to provide full transparency regarding what transpired, this will come out through discovery and this could potentially reveal the conduct the players need for their case.”

Regardless of the lawsuit’s success, Lust said, it will certainly “keep the pressure on Warren as he fights for his job.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.

College Football’s Costly Start for Virginia Tech, UCLA: Coaches Out

UCLA and Virginia Tech fire their coaches while Notre Dame slumps badly.
Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.

YouTube’s Revised NFL Game Rating Still Has Fox, ESPN Execs Upset 

Adjusted viewership metrics from the streamer reignited debate about the game.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
Mar 4, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks with Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., ahead of President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 2025.

House Republicans Delay SCORE Act Vote Tentatively Planned for Next Week

They didn’t believe they had enough votes to pass the bill.
Feb 17, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs guard Jalen Weaver (5) during the first half against the Boise State Broncos at ExtraMile Arena.
September 10, 2025

NCAA Bans 3 Basketball Players for Violating Betting Rules Last Season

The former San Jose State and Fresno State players have lost eligibility.
Jan 25, 2023; Langley, British Columbia, CAN; Highlights from the CHL Kubota Top Prospects game at the Langley Events Centre
September 10, 2025

NCAA Hockey Scouts Denied Passes for Crucial Recruiting League

The CHL won’t welcome scouts on passes: “It comes across as petty.”
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
NFL Congress
exclusive
September 10, 2025

College Sports ‘House of Cards’: Republicans, Lobbyists Work to Secure Votes to..

Several House Republicans criticized the SCORE Act on social media.
The cover of the College Football 25 video game.
exclusive
September 9, 2025

Group That Facilitated NIL Deal for Football Video Game Now Says It’s..

EA offered $1,500 and no royalties; it also deleted an opt-out clause.
Sep 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; South Florida Bulls place kicker Nico Gramatica (7), South Florida Bulls long snapper Turner McLaughlin (48) and teammates celebrate after a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
September 8, 2025

USF Is the Newest Financial Underdog in the AP Top 25

USF’s athletic department brings in half the amount Florida does.
September 7, 2025

Oklahoma-Michigan Was a Battle of Dueling QB NIL Philosophies

Bryce Underwood got into a heated exchange with his teammate.