Fanatics Goes After O.G. Marvin Harrison Over 'Fraudulent' Merch Agreement
Fanatics' legal battle with Marvin Harrison, Jr. is zeroing in on his father, NFL Hall of Fame wideout Marvin Harrison, Sr.
Reports on Sunday noted that Harrison, Sr., was named as a defendant in Fanatics' ongoing suit against the Harrison camp.
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 6, 2016: Former NFL wide receiver Marvin Harrison poses with his bronze bust after his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the Pro Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 06, 2016 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by: 2016 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The sports company claims that Marvin Harrison, Jr., struck a deal with the rookie, but Harrison has denied the allegation. Fanatics responded with a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Harrison Jr. in May and eventually added his father to the filing. The alleged agreement totaled $1 million and was ‘agreed’ to in 2023.
The company has accused the Harrisons of fraud, arguing that they intentionally duped Fanatics with an agreement signed by Marvin Harrison Sr. to look like the rookie's signature, thus binding him to their agreement in lieu of Junior.
COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 15: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes walks off the field following the Spring Game at Ohio Stadium on April 15, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
As previously reported on OutKick, "the sports apparel and memorabilia brand claims it has an agreement worth more than $1 million with the star wideout dating back to May 2023, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Harrison's team denies the existence of said agreement.
"Harrison also has yet to sign a preliminary licensing agreement with the NFL Players Association — which is standard practice for anticipated draftees. The licensing agreement would allow Harrison's name and likeness to be monetized."
Fanatics and the NFL have been unable to make and sell Marvin Harrison, Jr. jerseys as both sides remain at an impasse. The dispute put the Ohio State wide receiver on a rough start in Arizona despite being the fourth pick in this year's draft.
This battle is expected to drag on — keeping Maserati Marv's jersey off shelves to start the season.
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 18: Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com