Michael Jordan and Nike set the tone for sneaker lines and became an aspirational and lucrative partnership. Two weeks ago, they celebrated the partnership of almost 4 decades. Nike launched the Air Jordan in 1984 and raked in $126 million in the first year alone. But one player who hoped to emulate Jordan’s success within the company has not found it so.

Odell Beckham Jr. is “extremely disappointed” with Nike. Recent reports claim that Beckham has decided to go against the $33 billion Nike for a $20 million lawsuit. His legal team claimed that Nike restrained his sneaker range, which could have otherwise led to a contract extension.

The NFL player also added that another giant in the sports merch industry, Adidas had offered to sign him in 2017. But Nike still managed to retain the star. They even made him one of their brand icons. Beckham said this was a big check in the box as his “dream had been fulfilled”. But he claimed that the contract changed following the retainment.

In other claims, Beckham also added that Nike hasn’t paid him the money he was owed since March 2022. The amount is a sizeable $2.6 million. The new contract limited him extensively “to trigger very valuable extensions”.

Read More: Billionaire Michael Jordan Got $100 Million Richer in One Year Than He Did in His Entire NBA Career

Nike responded to Odell Beckham Jr’ allegations. Their defense stated that the money was withheld due to footwear and glove violations. Beckham refused and said he had modified his equipment because Nike had failed to bring in the relevant material that matched the colors of his new team.

Beckham wanted a Michael Jordan success story for himself

The free agent had first signed up with Nike in 2014. Beckham admitted that the deal was a dream come true. “I wanted to be the next Michael Jordan,…LeBron James, or Kobe Bryant in the Nike family”. These NBA legends have had massive success with a partnership with Nike. Jordan leads with huge profits for his sneaker line.

“Unfortunately, Nike did not honor its commitments”, said a disappointed Beckham. He iterated that he was held accountable for all his obligations. And according to him, his lawsuit could pave the way for other athletes to keep the company they work with more accountable and responsible.

Beckham, along with his attorney, Daniel Davillier, hopes for a resolution and from a macro perspective, wants this to be a cautionary tale for other athletes and their rights.

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Odell Beckham Jr also has his plate full, with deciding which team he would join as a free agent. Reports claim that Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills would be frontrunners. What do you think the Superbowl Champion’s future holds for him? Let us know what you think about it.