Former Northern Illinois University running back Akeem Daniels filed a federal lawsuit against daily fantasy websites' DraftKings and FanDuel Wednesday afternoon.
Daniels alleges that the sites used his name and thousands of other college football and basketball players to generate millions of dollars in revenue. According to The DeKalb Daily Chronicle, Daniels is seeking class-action status and $5 million in damages.
The lawsuit that Daniels filed alleges that FanDuel and DraftKings have “immeasurably altered the college football and basketball environment” by putting athletes “in an unwanted state of fear and concern of the risk of being contacted by speculators who have a financial interest.”
“[FanDuel’s] unlawful business model puts [Daniels and others] at unwanted risk of contact with speculators whose interests align with ‘corruption in the form of fixed outcomes and point-shaving,’ ” the lawsuit states.
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According to the Chicago Tribune, FanDuel and DraftKings have both declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Daniels played for the Huskies from 2010-2014. He rushed for a total of 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Florida-native also added 48 receptions for 613 yards and five scores.