Detroit Free Press: Photographer sues football star and ex-Wolverine Desmond Howard over famous Heisman photo

By Kellie Woodhouse Higher education reporter

Posted on Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.

Former NFL star and University of Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard is being sued for copyright infringement over the alleged misuse of the most iconic photo of his career, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

Photographer Brian Masck is suing the famous sports commentator and ex-Wolverine for using a 1991 photo he took of Howard assuming the Heisman Trohpy pose after he returned a punt 93 yards for touchdown during a Michigan-Ohio State game, the newspaper reported.

Masck, who is also suing Sports Illustrated, according to the Free Press, said he wasn't given credit or offered payment as the photo was repeatedly reused. The suit is filed in the U.S. District Court in Detroit.

Parties have until March 28 to respond to the lawsuit, which was filed Jan. 18, according to the Free Press.