Big 12 Sent ESPN Cease-and-Desist Letter Regarding Baylor-TCU Star Wars Ad

After ESPN used images and the likeness of Baylor and TCU football players spliced in with a Star Wars: The Force Awakens advertisement, the Big 12 sent a cease-and-desist letter to the network.

CBS Sports' Jon Solomon reported the news Thursday after confirming the situation with Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby, who said of the ad, "We were surprised and unhappy."

ESPN responded to the matter through an official statement provided by Solomon, which reads, "After the Big 12 brought this to our attention, we worked closely with them to resolve the situation."

NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from being involved in commercials or endorsements of any kind. They are not permitted to make money off their name, image or likeness. Bowlsby indicated since the players didn't have knowledge of their involvement in the ad they won't face disciplinary consequences.

"The NCAA has been in communication with the conference and considers this matter resolved," NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn said in a statement, per Solomon.

Baylor and TCU squared off last Friday in Fort Worth, Texas, as the Horned Frogs capped off their regular season with a thrilling 28-21 win in double overtime. The schools were unaware of ESPN's advertising plans, according to spokesmen from both universities who talked to Solomon.

Since the game has already happened, there was little reason for ESPN to run the ad again, and both parties appeared to resolve the issue in prompt fashion.