thelesterlee
On April 27th, 2023, Lamar Jackson signed a huge 5-year, $260 million contract. Troy Aikman made $55 million in his entire NFL career. Lamar will be making $51 million to play quarterback in 2026.
And now Lamar, like most people in his new tax bracket, is trying to put his boot on a small business as he’s filing a lawsuit against Aikman over the use of their no. 8 jersey numbers.
Here’s what ESPN said about the lawsuit:
Jackson, who owns or has applied for several trademarks using the number in various phrases, says Aikman’s attempt to use “EIGHT” on apparel and bags would be “likely to cause confusion, or cause mistake, or to deceive” the purchasing public as to whether they’re buying products from Jackson or Aikman’s company, Jackson’s attorney said in July 9 filings.
Jackson “has expended considerable time, effort, and expense in promoting, advertising, and popularizing the number 8 in connection with his personality and fame” and “is well-known by this number due to his notoriety and fame, along with his promotion of this number in his trademarks and in media coverage,” according to the appeals.
I looked it up and Troy Aikman has an entire beer company around this “Eight” brand so I imagine it’s important for him to protect the usage of this number.
He played in the 90s when players were paid in concussions. Sure, he’s gotten a bit of it back with his little broadcasting career but my man needs people to buy his beer like the weird empty bar I go to sometimes because I feel like my 5 Bud Lights are literally keeping that guy’s lights on.
Just like Walmart shutting down every mom-and-pop shop in town, Lamar Jackson is taking food off Aikman’s plate to squeeze every penny out of wearing a jersey with the no. 8 on it.
How will Troy Aikman—the star of a generation-defining dynasty who could probably get a free meal in any Texas restaurant and the current voice of the National Football League—afford to pay rent this month after Lamar Corp shuts down his side hustle?
As Lamar goes for his 3rd MVP trophy while continuing to be one of the winningest quarterbacks in the history of the sport, let’s all get together and make a GoFundMe for the guy who sells low-quality duffle bags with the word ‘eight’ on it who just apparently can’t afford to pay for food because one of the best players ever wears the same number.
Let us pray for Troy Aikman, who may end up in a homeless shelter if Lamar wins this lawsuit.
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