The lawsuit filed by Fanatics against Marvin Harrison Jr. took a fascinating new turn this week. The company refiled its lawsuit with two crucial new twists.
One, the lawsuit was expanded to add Marvin Harrison Sr. – the younger Harrison’s father and Hall of Fame receiver – as a defendant. The suit now includes fraud claims against both Harrison Sr. and Harrison Jr., who was drafted fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in April.
Ahead of his final season at Ohio State in 2023, Harrison Jr. seemingly agreed to a $1.05 million deal with Fanatics to sell his autographs and game-used gear. In May, the apparel company filed its initial lawsuit, alleging that Harrison Jr. did not abide by the contract terms.
Then, in July, Harrison Jr.’s attorney, Andrew Staulcup, filed a motion to dismiss the case, claiming that Harrison Jr. never signed the initial contract. Instead, the Harrisons contended that it was Harrison Sr. who signed the agreement on behalf of the Official Harrison Collection, Harrison Jr.’s company.
‘It is not an agreement between Fanatics and me,’ Harrison Jr. wrote in the July filing. ‘I was never requested to, nor did I ever, sign any document that personally obligated me to do anything concerning the ‘Binding Term Sheet.’’
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Now, Fanatics’ updated lawsuit points out that the signature on the initial contract ‘bears a striking resemblance’ to Harrison Jr.’s – and not to Harrison Sr.’s. Fanatics argues that it leaves two options: Either Harrison Jr. signed the contract, or Harrison Sr. fraudulently signed it on his son’s behalf to deceive Fanatics.
‘Defendants’ misconduct is now clear,’ the updated Fanatics lawsuit reads. ‘Defendants knowingly induced Fanatics to enter into the Binding Term Sheet, never intending to perform; mimicked Harrison Jr.’s signature to mislead Fanatics into believing Harrison Jr. had signed for his company; and abused the corporate form in a fraudulent attempt to shield themselves (and the company) from any liability in the process.’
The case is also seemingly tied to Harrison Jr.’s jersey not being available for purchase. The NFLPA informed the NFL, the Cardinals, and Fanatics earlier this month that they are not currently allowed to sell Harrison Jr.’s jersey ‘based on the wishes of his representatives,’ according to NFL Media. Fanatics manufactures and distributes all Nike-branded NFL apparel, including jerseys.
Harrison Jr. does not have an agent and is self-represented. In college, he worked with his father on contract-related issues, such as the deal with Fanatics, which is now under scrutiny.
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