Los Angeles Clippers superstar small forward Kawhi Leonard's federal lawsuit against Nike is getting delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Nike hasn’t turned over any of the documents Leonard’s lawyers requested as part of the discovery due to the closure of its campuses because of the coronavirus.
Via Maxine Bernstein of Oregon Live:
Nine months after NBA star Kawhi Leonard filed suit against Nike over who owns rights to his personal “Klaw” logo, Nike hasn’t turned over any of the documents Leonard’s lawyers requested as part of discovery.
When U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman asked both sides if they can complete the sharing of documents by June, Nike balked, citing the athletic footwear company’s closure of its campuses due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Right now, Nike is essentially shut down and they are not allowed to go into their offices,’’ Nike’s New York-based lawyer Tamar Duvdevani told the court.
“Nothing else that Nike has in its possession can be accessed until that order is released. Unfortunately, one of the problems that we have with this discovery, Nike didn’t collect it before the coronavirus came down.’’
Leonard claims he designed the logo that appeared on his Nike apparel. He also claims the company copyrighted the logo without his consent.
The Clippers star and Jordan Brand parted ways after Leonard turned down a four-year, $22 million extension from them. Leonard then signed with New Balance after.
Leonard’s signature shoe with New Balance sold out pretty much right away after it was released last summer. The New York Times reported last offseason that the Clippers were trying to buy Leonard’s “Klaw” logo from Nike.
Leonard and the Clippers currently hold the second-best record in the Western Conference standings. The Clippers have an impressive 44-20 record.
In his first season back home, Leonard is putting up 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Follow Us
Subscribe