The NCAA has not only separated itself from EA and (I think) College Licensing Co. but is also suing both essentially for allowing them (the NCAA) to get into this mess. But it still wanted to participate in settlement discussions between EA, CLC and the plaintiffs. To my nonlegal mind, that seems a little rich.
I wish I could find that story detailing how the NCAA is marshaling its forces for the trial this summer. Essentially,
they are rounding up coaches and athletic directors to "testify" that fans will desert college sports if players are allowed to make outside income. There is no evidence that this will happen (beyond a few polls, which are notoriously unreliable in these matters); in fact the evidence points to exactly the opposite, every sport which has transitioned from "amateur" to professional has thrived.
They really are going to use the "we're special" defense. smh