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Jack Nicklaus gets to be Jack Nicklaus again. Good. An identity should never be held hostage, even when done legally, which is to say the law is not always right.
Background: Nicklaus and his former business associate and friend Howard Milstein have been at each other’s throats since 2022, when the Golden Bear quit his own company so he could do business, primarily golf course design, under his own brand.
The issue was that Jack no longer owned his brand identity, according to Milstein, who controlled the Nicklaus Companies. The Bear disagreed, which is when lawyers from both sides put on the gloves.
Long story short: Jack won. Kind of. According to multiple media reports, last week a New York City trial judge dismissed the case brought by Milstein’s group, which is fighting Nicklaus’ attempts to use his own name to promote his businesses. But strings are attached.
The judge ruled the Nicklaus Companies LLC – which is not owned by Nicklaus; yes, it’s confusing – still owns the trademarks it purchased, meaning Milstein and Co. can continue to sell clothing and golf equipment with the Jack Nicklaus, Nicklaus and Golden Bear logos. Adding to the naming rights confusion, the Nicklaus Companies can continue to design golf courses under the Nicklaus brand, which is to say not all “Nicklaus” courses are designed by the Upper Arlington native.
The “real” Nicklaus still comes out ahead in the ruling, because he gets to pursue his version of name, image and likeness by continuing to advertise and sell his design services and promote golf courses, which is where the big money is, under his own name.
As it should be. Some things, like a person’s NIL, should be above the law. Did Nicklaus, 85, make errors in judgment along the way? Yes. This whole mess began in 2007 when Jack accepted a $145 million investment in his company – when it still was his company, from Milstein. Eventually, the Nicklaus Companies sued Nicklaus, alleging he failed to deliver on terms of the investment deal.
But all along the Golden Bear mostly just wanted to regain his identity. Milstein refused, a compromise could not be reached and lawyers began lining their pockets.
Last week’s verdict frees Nicklaus to be “himself” again.
“Barbara and I have tried our best to ensure that the Nicklaus name is worthy of respect,” Nicklaus told Golf Digest. “And we are extremely pleased that Howard’s challenges to the family’s ownership are put to rest.”
Put to rest, but maybe not yet put to bed. Golfweek reports that a spokesperson for Milstein plans to appeal last week's ruling. Nicklaus the golfer, meanwhile, has sued Milstein in a defamation case stemming from Milstein's claims that Jack sought a role with LIV Golf several years ago, a claim that Nicklaus denies.
Stay tuned. This saga may be through only 15 holes.
The Euro step is hurting basketball, from the NBA on down. The Euro step – when a player picks up the dribble and takes a step in one direction before taking two (or more) steps in the opposite direction – has become an excuse to travel. It’s been around in the NBA for more than a decade, but has filtered into college as well as high schools.
The issue is not the action itself, flagrant as it is, but that officiating no longer enforces when the Euro step devolves into traveling, which happens a lot.
Exhibit A: After taking nearly three steps, Maryland freshman Derik Queen hit a last-second shot to beat Colorado State in the NCAA Tournament.
NCAA rules allow a “gather” and two steps, which explains why CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore pointed to “ball possession” in agreeing with game officials that Queen did not travel. Bah. A slow motion review clearly showed Queen taking three steps. He traveled.
I probably sound like the “Get off my lawn” guy, but it drives me crazy watching players essentially waltz their way to the hoop. It’s time to send the Euro step back across the pond where it belongs.
“Every time we step on this field we have to get 1% better. That’s the commitment we have to make to ourselves.” – first-year Bowling Green coach Eddie George, addressing players during spring practice.
[IMG alt="Detail of the Casablanca movie poster is found in the living room. The film aficionados feature many movie posters and film star photographs throughout the home. March 12, 2020
0312hotw Mckinneyfristoe10 Drl"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-columbus-dispatch/dd072c3259256af64a7b012c4028323d[/IMG]
Was watching movie stars reveal their favorite movies, so figured I’d give it a whirl: 1. "Casablanca" (never ages); 2. "It’s a Wonderful Life" (Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart at their best); 3. "Shawshank Redemption" (perfectly captures the human heart, both good and bad); 4. "Wizard of Oz" (ultimate old Hollywood movie-making); 5. "The Godfather" (Al Pacino’s performance alone puts it on the list); 6. "Dr. Strangelove" (dark comedy at its finest); 7. "Hoosiers" (Gene Hackman one of my favorites, and have to include at least one sports movie); 8. "Heaven Can Wait" (underrated zaniness with a lump-in-throat finish); 9. "Rear Window" (unvarnished Hitchcock); 10. "Jaws" (horror with a heart). Honorable mention: "North by Northwest"; "You’ve Got Mail"; "My Fair Lady"; "You Can’t Take It with You"; "Sound of Music"; "Some Like it Hot"; "High Noon"; "Unforgiven"; "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"; "Toy Story."
Sports columnist Rob Oller can be reached at [email protected] and on X.com at @rollerCD
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jack Nicklaus wins in court, can use his name as brand identification
Continue reading...
Background: Nicklaus and his former business associate and friend Howard Milstein have been at each other’s throats since 2022, when the Golden Bear quit his own company so he could do business, primarily golf course design, under his own brand.
The issue was that Jack no longer owned his brand identity, according to Milstein, who controlled the Nicklaus Companies. The Bear disagreed, which is when lawyers from both sides put on the gloves.
Long story short: Jack won. Kind of. According to multiple media reports, last week a New York City trial judge dismissed the case brought by Milstein’s group, which is fighting Nicklaus’ attempts to use his own name to promote his businesses. But strings are attached.
The judge ruled the Nicklaus Companies LLC – which is not owned by Nicklaus; yes, it’s confusing – still owns the trademarks it purchased, meaning Milstein and Co. can continue to sell clothing and golf equipment with the Jack Nicklaus, Nicklaus and Golden Bear logos. Adding to the naming rights confusion, the Nicklaus Companies can continue to design golf courses under the Nicklaus brand, which is to say not all “Nicklaus” courses are designed by the Upper Arlington native.
The “real” Nicklaus still comes out ahead in the ruling, because he gets to pursue his version of name, image and likeness by continuing to advertise and sell his design services and promote golf courses, which is where the big money is, under his own name.
You must be registered for see images attach
As it should be. Some things, like a person’s NIL, should be above the law. Did Nicklaus, 85, make errors in judgment along the way? Yes. This whole mess began in 2007 when Jack accepted a $145 million investment in his company – when it still was his company, from Milstein. Eventually, the Nicklaus Companies sued Nicklaus, alleging he failed to deliver on terms of the investment deal.
But all along the Golden Bear mostly just wanted to regain his identity. Milstein refused, a compromise could not be reached and lawyers began lining their pockets.
Last week’s verdict frees Nicklaus to be “himself” again.
“Barbara and I have tried our best to ensure that the Nicklaus name is worthy of respect,” Nicklaus told Golf Digest. “And we are extremely pleased that Howard’s challenges to the family’s ownership are put to rest.”
Put to rest, but maybe not yet put to bed. Golfweek reports that a spokesperson for Milstein plans to appeal last week's ruling. Nicklaus the golfer, meanwhile, has sued Milstein in a defamation case stemming from Milstein's claims that Jack sought a role with LIV Golf several years ago, a claim that Nicklaus denies.
Stay tuned. This saga may be through only 15 holes.
You must be registered for see images
Time for basketball officials to rid ‘Euro step’ from game
The Euro step is hurting basketball, from the NBA on down. The Euro step – when a player picks up the dribble and takes a step in one direction before taking two (or more) steps in the opposite direction – has become an excuse to travel. It’s been around in the NBA for more than a decade, but has filtered into college as well as high schools.
The issue is not the action itself, flagrant as it is, but that officiating no longer enforces when the Euro step devolves into traveling, which happens a lot.
Exhibit A: After taking nearly three steps, Maryland freshman Derik Queen hit a last-second shot to beat Colorado State in the NCAA Tournament.
NCAA rules allow a “gather” and two steps, which explains why CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore pointed to “ball possession” in agreeing with game officials that Queen did not travel. Bah. A slow motion review clearly showed Queen taking three steps. He traveled.
I probably sound like the “Get off my lawn” guy, but it drives me crazy watching players essentially waltz their way to the hoop. It’s time to send the Euro step back across the pond where it belongs.
Listening in
“Every time we step on this field we have to get 1% better. That’s the commitment we have to make to ourselves.” – first-year Bowling Green coach Eddie George, addressing players during spring practice.
[IMG alt="Detail of the Casablanca movie poster is found in the living room. The film aficionados feature many movie posters and film star photographs throughout the home. March 12, 2020
0312hotw Mckinneyfristoe10 Drl"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-columbus-dispatch/dd072c3259256af64a7b012c4028323d[/IMG]
Off-topic
Was watching movie stars reveal their favorite movies, so figured I’d give it a whirl: 1. "Casablanca" (never ages); 2. "It’s a Wonderful Life" (Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart at their best); 3. "Shawshank Redemption" (perfectly captures the human heart, both good and bad); 4. "Wizard of Oz" (ultimate old Hollywood movie-making); 5. "The Godfather" (Al Pacino’s performance alone puts it on the list); 6. "Dr. Strangelove" (dark comedy at its finest); 7. "Hoosiers" (Gene Hackman one of my favorites, and have to include at least one sports movie); 8. "Heaven Can Wait" (underrated zaniness with a lump-in-throat finish); 9. "Rear Window" (unvarnished Hitchcock); 10. "Jaws" (horror with a heart). Honorable mention: "North by Northwest"; "You’ve Got Mail"; "My Fair Lady"; "You Can’t Take It with You"; "Sound of Music"; "Some Like it Hot"; "High Noon"; "Unforgiven"; "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"; "Toy Story."
Sports columnist Rob Oller can be reached at [email protected] and on X.com at @rollerCD
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jack Nicklaus wins in court, can use his name as brand identification
Continue reading...
