In order to avoid a potential lawsuit over the infringement over the name of Street Gear, acting CEO Darece Byrd has officially changed the name of the company to Ballin' Gear. This puts Ballin' Gear in the clear and removes them as a defendant in the copyright infringement lawsuit filed last week in New York.
James Hoffa Jr. broke over a week of silence late today, ending the boycott of Ballin' Gear, formerly Street Gear Inc. The AFL-CIO and the retail chains followed suit.
"I feel that Mr. Wallington has made a sufficient apology for his actions to both America and the American worker, a force that should not be taken lightly. We hope that Ballin Gear gives the American worker the respect they deserve in the future".
Andrew Lavender, spokesperson for Ballin' Gear Inc, was found guilty by a jury of six of his peers in a "mock" trial for his history class simulation, sources reported. Mr. Lavender was accused of passing secret information from his class to another and being paid for it. The jury deliberated for less than fifteen minutes before returning with a unanimous verdict of guilty. Lavender was recently signed as the Ballin' Gear spokesperson for $ 53 million, a tie with Danny Upchurch, and second only to Maurice Hall's $80 million dollar three year contract.
Even though this was a "mock" trial, the outcome still casts an unhealthy shadow over Ballin' Gear's reputation. No statement has been issued by the company, nor have any plans been announced to terminate his contract. A specific clause in the contract does provide the company that opportunity if Lavender "engages in any public or private behavior, conduct or conversation(s) that may put the reliablity, repuation or image of Ballin' Gear in jeopardy". Ballin' Gear does have the right to terminate his contract without prior written notice following confirmation of such activity.
Spokesperson contracts were signed, sealed and delivered yesterday by 5 of Brookhaven's most notable student athletes to their respective shoe companies. C.O. Bearcats had the largest outlay of cash of the three companies, $130 million dollars. Spending $50 million, the company signed on Tiffany Johnson and spent a record high of $80 million dollars on football star Maurice Johnson. This
Ballin' Gear, Inc. spent the second highest amount, $106 million dollars on two athletes. Both Andrew Lavender and Danny Upchurch were signed for $53 million dollars apiece for a 3 year contract, the standard term for all the companies. Tech Athletic signed Alkia Fountain for $50 million dollars as well, coming in with the lowest amount of money paid on spokespeople.