Mark Geragos, the high-profile protection lawyer recognized for representing shoppers like Erik and Lyle Menendez, has been ordered to pay $100,000 to a California youth basketball coach for his position in a failed scheme to extort Nike.
A Los Angeles jury delivered the decision Wednesday, siding partly with Gary Franklin, the longtime director of the California Supreme basketball program.
Franklin filed the lawsuit again in 2021, however the trial solely not too long ago started, culminating in testimony from Geragos himself and a dramatic courtroom showdown over a scheme that made nationwide headlines.
Article continues under commercial
Michael Avenatti And Mark Geragos Allegedly Plotted $25M Nike Shakedown Utilizing Consumer’s Confidential Information
In accordance with court docket paperwork obtained by The Blast, Franklin had turned to now-disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti in early 2019 after Nike abruptly ended its $72,000-a-year sponsorship cope with his elite youth basketball program. Hoping to both reinstate the deal or safe a monetary settlement, Franklin retained Avenatti, unaware that his lawyer would quickly use the case to pursue an enormous payday for himself.
The lawsuit alleges that Avenatti exploited delicate info Franklin shared below attorney-client privilege, together with particulars about alleged NCAA recruiting violations.
Article continues under commercial
Avenatti And Geragos Accused Of Excessive-Stakes Threats
As a substitute of specializing in his shopper’s pursuits, Avenatti noticed a possibility to strain Nike.
“Avenatti’s plot was audacious, however easy,” the swimsuit states. “Avenatti would threaten to publicly reveal Franklin’s damaging confidential info at a press convention except Nike not solely settled with Franklin, but in addition paid Avenatti tens of thousands and thousands of {dollars} to conduct Nike’s inside investigation into the matter.”
Unbeknownst to Franklin, Avenatti enlisted Mark Geragos, who allegedly touted his “unbelievable” relationship with Nike’s prime lawyer, to assist execute the plan. Inside days, the 2 attorneys have been in Geragos’ New York workplace threatening Nike executives with damaging revelations if their calls for weren’t met.
Article continues under commercial
Michael Avenatti Busted By Feds, Mark Geragos Faces Civil Blow In Alleged Shakedown
However their scheme rapidly unraveled. Federal regulation enforcement had been secretly recording the conferences, and Avenatti was arrested on March 25, 2019. He was later convicted of extortion and different federal crimes and sentenced to 2.5 years in jail. Mark Geragos, whereas named as an unindicted co-conspirator, was by no means criminally charged.
Franklin’s 2021 civil swimsuit aimed to carry Geragos accountable for his alleged position within the extortion try. He claimed that neither lawyer knowledgeable him of a $1.5 million settlement provide Nike had reportedly made. As a substitute, they allegedly instructed Nike it did not make sense to pay Franklin an “exorbitant sum of cash… in mild of his position on this.”
Article continues under commercial
“That is betrayal. A betrayal that shattered a person’s popularity,” Franklin’s lawyer, Trent Copeland, instructed jurors throughout closing arguments. “When a lawyer betrays his fiduciary responsibility… that lawyer is accountable for all of the hurt that follows.”
Article continues under commercial
Geragos Ordered To Pay $100K Regardless of Declare He Was Simply A ‘Concierge’ In Nike Scheme
Mark Geragos testified in his protection, arguing that he by no means formally represented Franklin and was merely performing as a go-between for Avenatti and Nike.
His lawyer, Sean Macias, likened the lawsuit to “suing a concierge,” claiming Geragos “put two guys collectively,” drank a Weight-reduction plan Coke, and stayed silent. There was no retainer settlement, no engagement letter, and no direct communication between Geragos and Franklin, the protection argued.
The jury delivered a blended verdict. They discovered that Geragos aided and abetted Avenatti, knowingly assisted in wrongful conduct, and breached his authorized duties. Nevertheless, additionally they concluded he did not defraud Franklin or straight trigger him important hurt. Nonetheless, they awarded Franklin $100,000 in damages.
“We’re gratified that the jurors noticed by way of this lawsuit and located Mr. Geragos induced no hurt,” Macias stated following the decision.
Copeland referred to as the award “much less substantial than we imagine the proof proved,” however nonetheless thought of it a victory. “It is a type of accountability,” he added.
Article continues under commercial
$100K Verdict Closes Chapter On Scandal That Shattered Coach’s Popularity
Franklin, whose program produced NBA stars like DeAndre Ayton and Bol Bol, says the ordeal deeply impacted his popularity and livelihood. What started as an try and proper a improper grew to become a cautionary story about energy, betrayal, and the abuse of attorney-client belief.
With this ruling, some of the sensational authorized sagas in latest reminiscence inches towards closure, leaving a path of broken reputations and a $100,000 invoice for one in every of America’s most recognizable protection attorneys.
