Summary: Jurors stated that they would not be affected by Michael Jordan’s appearance during an upcoming trial.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Dominick’s, a supermarket chain, may realize that using basketball star Michael Jordan’s likeness without his permission in 2009 was one of the worst mistakes it ever made.
Only two customers redeemed coupons for steaks that were included in an advertisement published in Sports Illustrated. According to CBS Local, the ad congratulated Jordan on his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. However, Jordan argued that his name and jersey number may not be capitalized on for free.
In 2013, Jordan was sued for a paternity test and child support.
The former basketball player sued the company for $10 million. A federal judge has found that Dominick’s was liable in the case.
After five years of litigation, a federal jury must decide the final question in the case: how much does Dominick’s owner, Safeway, have to pay for its missteps?
On Tuesday, Jordan sat quietly through five hours of jury selection and attorney arguments at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Jordan retired a decade ago, and most jurors said his status would not influence their decisions in the case.
Most jurors acknowledged that they saw Jordan play for the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s. Just one juror, however, raised a hand when an attorney for Dominick’s asked if anyone consider Jordan their “idol or personal hero.”
One juror, a 31-year-old mother from Evanston, faced Jordan during the questioning and said, “I’m not a basketball fan, sorry!”
Jordan smiled at the comment. However, he was holding back yawns throughout the questioning. At one point, he leaned back in his chair, put on his glasses, and read a legal document. He also fiddled with his wedding band.
Jordan remained mostly expressionless as the judge ruled that limited details from endorsement contracts with Gatorade, Upper Deck, Nike, and Hanes may be used as evidence by Dominick’s. Dominick’s has argued that $10 million is an excessive request for a single print ad.
Dennis Rodman angrily defended playing basketball in North Korea in 2014.
Opening arguments will begin Wednesday, and the trial is expected to last about a week. Jordan will testify toward the end of the week. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the judge also denied a request for special accommodations for Jordan.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Photo credit: grantland.com