‘Last Chance U’ lawsuit includes current Saskatchewan Roughriders DB

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back C.J. Reavis (1) celebrates with defensive back DaMarcus Fields (22) and defensive back Nelson Lokombo (21) after recovering a fumble against the B.C. Lions during the first half of CFL football action in Regina, on Saturday, October 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back CJ Reavis is among a group of former East Mississippi Community College players suing over their compensation for the Netflix show, Last Chance U.

Reavis, who has been with the Riders since 2022, appeared on the first season of the show in 2015.

Six former players, including Reavis, say they’re seeking $30 million in damages after receiving no compensation for their contributions to the project. They’re suing a list of defendants that includes the school, Netflix, the National Junior College Athletic Association and the program’s director.

The lawsuit also alleges the players were pressured into signing contracts for the show.

“The most coercive tactic defendants used upon the plaintiffs was telling them if they did not sign the contracts, they were not eligible to practice,” John Pierce, the lawyer representing the players, said in a complaint filed last week at Los Angeles County superior court. “In turn, they would not be eligible to play games, and their football skills would deteriorate.”

• Get the CTV News app to receive local breaking news alerts on your smartphone

“Inability to practice meant closing the door on what they committed their whole life towards, eventually playing professional football. Plaintiffs had no real negotiation or any meaningful choice except signing what was presented to them without ever being instructed of the purpose of filming or being advised to read through the contract in its entirety,” Pierce said.

Reavis is signed to the Riders through the 2025 season after signing a two-year extension in 2023.

• Riders sign American linebacker to 2-year contract extension

In 2024, Reavis played in 17 games with 89 defensive tackles four sacks and a forced fumble, the eighth of his CFL career.

Prior to joining the Roughriders, Reavis spent time in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons. Along with East Mississippi Community College, Reavis also played college football at Virginia Tech and Marshall University.

- With files from the Associated Press and Caitlin Brezinski