NCAA responds to O'Bannon suit ruling

In a decision issued Friday, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken ruled in favor of former UCLA basketball player Ed O'Bannon and 19 others in a lawsuit that challenged the NCAA's regulation of college athletics on antitrust grounds.

In a partial victory for the NCAA, though, Wilken said the NCAA could set a cap on the money paid to athletes, as long as it allows at least $5,000 a year for big school football and basketball players.

“We disagree with the Court's decision that NCAA rules violate antitrust laws,” said Donald Remy, the NCAA’s chief legal officer. “We note that the Court's decision sets limits on compensation, but are reviewing the full decision and will provide further comment later. As evidenced by [Thursday’s] Board of Directors action, the NCAA is committed to fully supporting student-athletes.”

The case was centered on federal antitrust law and whether the prohibition against paying players promotes the game of college football and does not restrain competition in the marketplace.

The plaintiffs gave up their right to damages in a pretrial move that meant the case would be heard only by the judge and not a jury.

Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.

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