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Ex-Packers RB Darrell Thompson Files Suit

By Brandon
31 Oct 1993: Running back Darrell Thompson of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by defensive back Mark Carrier of the Chicago Bears during a game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers won the game, 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel
31 Oct 1993: Running back Darrell Thompson of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by defensive back Mark Carrier of the Chicago Bears during a game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers won the game, 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel

A blast from the Green Bay Packers past files a lawsuit. From Reuters:

The lawsuit by Darrell Thompson, Green Bay's first-round draft pick in 1990, comes as the NFL and its players are in New York trying to resolve a lockout that has been dragging on for over four months.

"For years, Defendant (the NFL) has earned substantial revenue by making promotional films and selling products featuring the identities of retired NFL football players," Thompson said in the lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in U.S. federal court in Minnesota.

"The retired players who created (the NFL's) glory days, however, have gone almost completely uncompensated for this use of their identities."

Thompson, who played for the Packers from 1990-1994, said the practice violated a federal trademark act and asked for an injunction against the practice and all damages allowed by law.

While Thompson didn't make the list for Top 10 draft busts I put together a few months ago, he was certainly a disappointment and deserved honorable mention. I have no idea whether his lawsuit has merit, or why exactly he's the one suing the NFL for something that effects so many former players, but he isn't a player I've thought about in a while.

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