Zavier Simpson is one of the founders of the site, which launched with 14 "trunks" from former college athletesGETTY IMAGES
The Players Trunk is a "new company that was founded by former Michigan basketball players" Zavier Simpson, Charles Matthews and three team managers that "provides former college athletes an opportunity to sell and profit on the athletic gear they received during their career" through its online marketplace, according to James Hawkins of the DETROIT NEWS. On July 2, theplayerstrunk.com "launched with 14 'trunks' from former college athletes across the country." Since then, there has been a "domino effect and that number has grown to 33 as of Sunday, with merchandise items ranging from game-worn jerseys and shoes to T-shirts, backpacks, practice jerseys, warm-up jackets, hats, shooting sleeves and much more." Among the "current listings are six former Michigan basketball players" and "two former Michigan State basketball players." Michigan team manager Jason Lansing said that the founders "only take a 'small percentage' of the sales," with the "vast majority going to the athlete." Hawkins noted each player "sets the prices for his items and there’s no cost to list them" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/13).
