'Last Chance U' Players Sue for Exploitation

Six former East Mississippi Community College football players who appeared in Netflix's 'Last Chance U' have filed a $30 million lawsuit against Netflix, Condé Nast Entertainment, and other parties. The players, including John Franklin III and Ronald Ollie, allege that they were misled into signing contracts without legal consultation, leading to exploitation of their name, image, and likeness (NIL) without compensation. They claim the defendants financially benefited from the series while the players suffered reputational harm and employment challenges. The lawsuit, filed in California, accuses the defendants of defamation, portraying the players in a false light, and unjust enrichment. Despite the show's success and the NJCAA's increased revenue, the players received no financial benefits. The statute of limitations may pose a legal challenge to the players' claims, as the show first aired in 2016.