Free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. filed a lawsuit against Nike on Monday, alleging a breach of contract. OBJ is speaking more than $20 million in damages.
In the lawsuit, which was filed in Multnomah County (Oregon) Circuit Court, Beckham claims Nike “intentionally depressed sales” of products bearing his name in an attempt to avoid hitting sales benchmarks that would have triggered an automatic extension of is endorsement deal with the company.
Beckham said in a statement that he was “extremely disappointed” to file the lawsuit but did so “to ensure Nike fulfills their obligations and promises.”
“I’m taking a stand not just for me, but to set a precedent for all athletes who have dedicated their life to the sport they love – especially those who don’t have the means to stand up for themselves,” he said.
According to the lawsuit, Beckham first signed an endorsement deal with Nike in 2014, about six weeks before the New York Giants selected him in the first round of the NFL draft.
The contract called for Beckham to receive a flat fee for his endorsement, as well as a percentage of the net sales of products that bear his name or likeness.
Odell Beckham Jr. remains a free agent but is expected to sign with a team by the end of the month.
