Baseball HOFer-elect Frank Thomas is suing Reebok, saying that the company relaunched the Reebok Big Hurt brand named after him "without his permission" in '13, according to CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS. Thomas in the lawsuit said in '95 he "licensed aspects of his identity in connection with his endorsement of Reebok products," including sneakers named after his Big Hurt nickname. The suit states that the agreement "ended in" '98, but Reebok brought back Big Hurt shoes in '13 "without the consent" of Thomas. Thomas "wants a permanent injunction requiring Reebok to 'refrain from any use'" of Thomas' identity "without his permission, as well as damages, including any profits Reebok made from the shoes' sale" (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 3/19).
COMING APART AT THE SEAMS: 76ers G Tony Wroten said that he "received an apology" from Bobcats Owner Michael Jordan after one of Wroten's Nike shoes "fell apart during a loss" against the Pacers last Friday. In Delaware, Jason Wolf notes the sole "tore off the Air Jordan 10 'varsity red' sneaker on his right foot during a fourth-quarter drive to the basket." Wroten yesterday said, "It was more embarrassing than anything. But things happen. I got an apology from Jordan. Yeah. … He called my agent." It was "the third time in about two weeks an NBA player's Nike shoes fell apart during a game," after Spurs G Manu Ginobili and Warriors C Andrew Bogut "also experienced issues with their kicks" (Wilmington NEWS JOURNAL, 3/20).
SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS: In Portland, Allan Brettman reports yesterday's two-hour launch of adidas' Florist City Collection at the Compound Gallery "featured an appearance" by Trail Blazers G Damian Lillard and Wizards G John Wall "signing the Adidas Crazy 1 basketball sneakers that had been crafted for the occasion." The collection also "includes socks, hats and sweatshirts with a springtime floral theme" (Portland OREGONIAN, 3/20).
