By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI –
Several professional and retired athletes told state lawmakers Tuesday that a bill in the state House could damage their careers and livelihoods. The bill would allow public figures to protect their likeness and personality from being used without their permission in for-profit ventures.
Former Michigan State University basketball player and NBA star Morris Peterson says an exemption for video game companies would harm pro-athletes.
"The NBA player's career averages about 5 years," he says. "The number is the same in hockey and baseball. In football, a player's career lasts an average of 3 years. Professional athletes sacrifice their bodies and risk long term damage to their health. To allow companies to profit off their efforts would be inequitable."
Some of the athletes say they are more protected by the state's current law than they would be with this legislation. Lawmakers say they will continue to work on the issues with the bill before it comes up for a vote.