NFL Player Caught in Contract Blunder, Fanatics Sues
Apparel manufacturer Fanatics files a lawsuit against an Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver for allegedly breaching a contract, according to The Associated Press. The lawsuit, filed in the New York Supreme Court, claims Marvin Harrison Jr. “did not fulfill his obligations” and damages are estimated to be “in millions of dollars.”
The suit says Harrison Jr. was approached by Fanatics about a long-term deal, which was “heavily negotiated.” Harrison Jr. and Fanatics came to an agreement, and a binding term sheet was finalized, says the suit. Harrison Jr. signed the deal with Fanatics during his tenure as a “star receiver” at Ohio State in May 2023, says AP.
Details of the Fanatics contract were redacted, while Harrison Jr. denies the contract’s existence. However, ESPN reports the $1 million deal includes autographs, signed trading cards, game-worn apparel, and other marketing opportunities. The suit says Harrison was paid in August and October of 2023 but claims Harrison “has refused to fulfill his obligations” after “several requests” to do so in the last few months, according to ESPN.
Harrison Jr. does not have an agent, and he’s represented by his father — Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison. The suit says that in April 2024, Harrison Sr. requested a copy of the binding term sheet from Fanatics for Harrison Jr. and told the apparel manufacturer there was no deal.
The Cardinals, who used their No. 4 overall pick to select Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft last month, did not comment on the lawsuit. Harrison Jr. has not signed the NFL Players Association’s group licensing agreement, says AP, which would give the league the green light to market his name, image, and likeness (NIL).
“Among our thousands of athlete partners, this is the first time we’ve encountered a situation like this, and Fanatics, unfortunately, had no other option than formal litigation for the enforcement of its contractual rights,” a Fanatics spokesperson said in a statement to Front Office Sports. “Even so, it is still our preference that Marvin Harrison Jr. honors his contract, but if he will not, Fanatics will ask the court to address his refusal.”
