SOMERVILLE, NJ – July 2026 – Right now, one of New Jersey’s most celebrated football heroes is in the middle of a legal battle that could change college sports forever. And standing in his corner is Charles Z. Schalk, a New Jersey attorney who has never been afraid to take on the powerful on behalf of the overlooked.
The story begins with Leonte Carroo – Rutgers University’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns, a Big Ten standout, a third-round NFL Draft pick, and a name that once filled SHI Stadium with electricity. For four years, Carroo’s talent put Rutgers on the map. His face was on merchandise. His highlights drove media coverage. His name sold tickets and sponsorships as the Scarlet Knights stepped onto the national stage of the Big Ten Conference.
Then his eligibility ended. Rutgers moved on. Carroo received nothing.
Now, in January 2026, Carroo is fighting back. The lawsuit, filed in October, alleges that Rutgers unjustly profited from his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) between 2012 and 2015 – generating an estimated $2.8 to $3 million in value from his stardom – without ever compensating him. After a formal demand letter went unanswered, attorney Charles Z. Schalk filed suit.
Rutgers has pushed back, filing a motion to dismiss in December. This month, Schalk fired back with a comprehensive legal brief opposing dismissal – and the case is very much alive.
“The House v. NCAA settlement drew an arbitrary line at 2016 and left athletes like Leonte on the wrong side of it,” said Charles Z. Schalk.“That line does not erase the injustice. Leonte Carroo generated millions in value for that university. This fight is far from over.”
Already covered by Sports Illustrated and NJ.com, this case is being watched by athletes, legal experts, and universities across the country. A ruling in Carroo’s favor could open the floodgates for pre-2016 athletes nationwide to finally claim what they were owed.
As a New Jersey employment lawyer for athletes, Charles Z. Schalk has built his practice around the principle that every individual – regardless of how powerful their opponent – deserves a fierce and experienced advocate. This is exactly the kind of fight he was built for, and he is just getting started.
If you are an athlete, professional, or individual who believes your rights have been ignored and your contributions exploited, now is the time to act. Visit jerseyemploymentattorney.com to speak with Charles Z. Schalk today.
Originally Posted On: https://syndication.cloud/the-fight-is-on-attorney-charles-schalk-is-taking-rutgers-to-court-for-leonte-carroo-and-the-whole-country-is-watching/
