Free Republic

Former Ohio State consensus All-American linebacker and current FOX Sports college football analyst Chris Spielman filed a class action lawsuit Friday against the university to block the usage of player images for promotional purposes. The suit alleges unfair usage images for financial gain. It also names Nike, Honda, and the IMG Sports Radio Network. “I personally do not have a financial interest in the outcome of the banner program as my share in any recovery will be donated directly to the athletic department of The Ohio State University," Spielman said in a statement. “My concern is about the exploitation of...

A soldier who pleaded guilty to conspiring to rape a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and kill her family described how he was approached by a fellow soldier with the plan to carry out the attack. Spc. James P. Barker, one of four U.S. soldiers accused in the March 12 rape and killings, pleaded guilty Wednesday and agreed to testify against the others. He will avoid the death penalty, said his attorney, David Sheldon. Barker told military judge Lt. Col. Richard Anderson that 21-year-old former Army private Steve Green approached him with a plan to attack the family as they drank whiskey...

The paychecks from ESPN arrived at Chris Spielman's home in Columbus, Ohio, throughout the college football season last fall. Each was placed in the same pile, uncashed and collecting dust. Spielman, a former NFL linebacker, wasn't about to take money for work he wasn't doing even if he had a very good reason for staying away from the sport he loves. For the third time since 1998, Spielman's wife and high school sweetheart, Stefanie, was battling cancer and he wanted to be with her and the couple's four children. "[ESPN] is a good company and they are loyal," he said....

Former ferocious linebacker ready to coach 1/26/2005, 4:52 p.m. ET By RUSTY MILLER The Associated Press COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Chris Spielman was known for his ferocity during an 11-year NFL career. As an All-American at Ohio State, he said his goal was to see a ball carrier's eyes roll back in his head. Things have changed for Spielman as he approaches his first game as coach of the Arena Football League's Columbus Destroyers on Friday night. He's still intense. But Spielman no longer is the fire-breathing linebacker who led the Detroit Lions in tackles seven years in a row....