NFL free agent Odell Beckham Jr. sues Nike for ‘swindling him out of $20million’

NFL free agent Odell Beckham Jr. is suing Nike, alleging the sportswear giant deliberately suppressed sales of its sneakers, which would have resulted in bonuses and contract extensions worth $20 million.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in Oregon, where Nike was originally founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports.

According to TMZwho obtained the filing, 30-year-old Beckham claims that Nike changed his contract when it exercised the company’s right to match Adidas’ bid with the NFL receiver in 2017. The changes made it nearly impossible for Beckham to activate lucrative incentives, including contract renewals, according to the lawsuit.

According to TMZ, which obtained the filing, 30-year-old Beckham (pictured wearing his Nike Air Max 720 shoe) alleges that Nike changed his contract when it exercised the company’s right to cancel Adidas’ offer to the NFL recipient. to match in 2017. The changes made it nearly impossible for Beckham to trigger lucrative incentives, including renewals, according to the lawsuit

The custom nike shoes worn by Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants warming up for the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018

Emails to Beckham’s lawyer and Nike spokespersons were not immediately answered.

Beckham and Nike fell out in early March when he was required to pay a $2.6 million payment, with $2 million withheld, according to the free agent.

Nike claimed the money was withheld because he changed Nike shoes and gloves before starring in the items, in violation of his contract.

However, Beckham has denied committing any contract violation, saying he was forced to change his cleats because Nike’s at the time did not match his team’s colours.

Odell Beckham Jr., left, and Lauren Wood arrive with child Zydn Beckham at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday, July 20

Now Beckham is suing for $20 million.

“Being a Nike athlete and brand icon has been a dream I’ve had since I was a young boy. I wanted to be the next Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant in the Nike family,” Beckham said.

“When Nike exercised its right of first refusal to match the Adidas offer and not only keep me as a Nike athlete, but also make me one of their brand icons, my dream was fulfilled.

“Unfortunately, Nike did not keep its promises. During our collaboration, I kept my promise and fulfilled my obligations to the brand. I am extremely disappointed that I had to take these steps to ensure that Nike live up to their commitments and promises.

“I look forward to resolving this issue and hope we can start a real conversation about protecting athletes and their rights. This happens too often in the sports industry and it’s time for a change.”

Beckham is still recovering from knee surgery after tearing his left cruciate ligament during the Super Bowl in February as a member of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills are just a few of the NFL contenders reportedly interested in the Super Bowl champion.

Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Los Angeles Rams holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20