NFL PLAYERS, which handles all licensing and sponsorships for the players, contends CBS Interactive filed the lawsuit in the wrong jurisdiction. It also argues that the filing in Minneapolis names the wrong defendant - the NFL Players Association rather than NFL PLAYERS.
In a statement released Wednesday, NFL PLAYERS acting chairman Richard Berthelsen says it's wrong for companies to use the rights of NFL players to generate revenues without compensating the players.
A spokesman for CBSSports.com says he can't comment on pending litigation.
