Following the example of former Nebraska/Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller, former Rutgers quarterback Ryan Hart and former California quarterback Troy Taylor have filed suit against video game developer and publish EA Sports, part of Electronic Arts. The players say that EA Sports used their likenesses without permission for the popular NCAA Football game they publish annually.

In the lawsuit, which was filed by attorney Keith McKenna, accuses EA Sports of "unjust enrichment." They say that the use of their names and images without permission in an invasion of privacy for commercial purposes.

A spokesperson for EA Sports has said that the company, NCAA, and Collegiate Licensing Company have all reviewed the case and don’t believe that their claims have merit. The company says it has not violated any NCAA bylaws or athlete rights laws.

Do you think it’s fair for a video game to include a real person without that person’s permission?

Image: Amazon

Nintendo didn’t make the Wii Activ3 Workout Kit but they should have.  This package comes with a leg holster with a nunchuck slot, a set of handles, three resistance tubes (light, medium, heavy) and a carrying bag. 

This would work great with a variety of games including My Fitness Coach, Gold’s Gym Workout and my personal favorite, EA Sports Active. 

If you are thinking of buying the EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack I would recommend that you consider this workout kit instead because of the tubing.

Many times, I’ve played the fitness games and wished that I could adjust the resistance because it’s gotten a lot easier for certain exercises but I still need lighter resistance for others (due to a shoulder injury).  Since there are three interchangeable tubes in this kit, it gives gamers more options (and it’s great if more than one person in your home is using the game).

Prices vary but this kit is generally under $30.  It’s a small price considering how much it would cost to get a membership at the gym!

image: Amazon

On Monday, EA Games hosted its own press conference here at E3 2009. Here are a few highlights from the event.

EA Sports announces Fight Night Round 4, for the first time allowing you to pit Ali against Tyson, with spectacular-looking results. Check out the big-screen demo:

EA Sports announces and demos Grand Slam Tennis for Wii, complete with a surprise appearance by tennis superstar Pete Sampras.

Read more

Nintendo Wii gamers who use the console to keep fit will be thrilled to hear that a new game, EA Sports Active, will be released on May 19, 2009 and it looks like the best, most comprehensive fitness game yet!

image: EA Sports

Nintendo Wii gamers who use the console to keep fit will be thrilled to hear that a new game, EA Sports Active, will be released on May 19, 2009 and it looks like the best, most comprehensive fitness game yet!

The game acts as a personal trainer and comes with a strap-on pouch for holding the Wii Remote (it attaches to your legs so that your leg and lower-body movements are tracked), a resistance band and a nutritional guide.  You will also have the option of using the Wii Balance Board.

I think this is really great!  There will be 20 minute workout regimes and a 30-day challenge to allow players to set and work towards goals.  After looking at the official site I noticed that the following exercises will be included (25 in all!): cardio boxing, basic dance, tennis, inline skating, kick-ups, cardio dance, kickbox, batting, volleyball, basketball, pitching & catching, serve, walk, jump, lateral raises, lunge reps, side lunge, squat/calf, lunge jump, squat jump, punch target, fast dance and punch bag.

There were no screenshots from what I could see (it’s probably too early) but I did find a promotional video.  Check it out: