US: NCAA case rests heavily on testimony of one economic expert

As the first week of testimony continues in the high-profile NCAA antitrust lawsuit – a case that threatens to upend the business of college sports – presiding Judge Claudia Ann Wilken is reportedly putting a lot of stock into a single witness: Stanford University economy professor Roger Noll.

Reports say Noll testified Tuesday for nearly five hours for the plaintiffs in the case; he took the stand again Wednesday for cross-examination.

Judge Wilken reportedly gave the trial a maximum timeframe of 15 days, two of which were taken up by Noll.

It’s a crucial observation, reports say, that suggests much of the case rests on Noll for his economic expertise. Repots say the professor touched on nearly every aspect of the plaintiffs’ case and, at one point, described the NCAA as a “cartel.”

His testimony could be weighed heavily in the lawsuit, filed by former college athlete Ed O’Bannon. The plaintiffs have sued the NCAA for allegedly violating antitrust law by capping collegiate athlete compensation with its business model.

Full content: USA Today

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