CowboyMike, I usually would not...
comment on such areas but be careful of advice. I do not have a law degree but I do have a paralegal degree and have worked with patent law as well as have been in the position that you find yourself in. I have had guys calling me telling me (without factual information) who did this to me. I have spoke with NFL and NCAA representatives.
There are three things you could do: 1) Seek legal counsel. Taking advice from anyone other than someone who is knowlegeable in such matters could be risky, 2) Pay the fine and live with it. This would at least clear that matter but it also gives proof of your infringement, 3) Don't pay the fine and risk the repercussions.
I am not here to tell you what to do but I am just giving you some advice from someone who has went through what you have. No one really came to my rescue with sound advice and to be honest, I did infringe on those rights of the NFL.
If I continue in the game, I will seek NFL license as well as NCAA license. Those brands are worth a lot of money and credibility but very expensive. On here, everyone is at risk as everyone openly use NFL and NCAA trademark products. We don't think about it much because of our exuberance to show the realism of what we do. There are ways to cover yourself and these ways are best known through legal representation.
Just my thoughts,
Reginald Rutledge
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