MSU quarterback Dak Prescott sues T-shirt company for using likeness
Mississippi State junior quarterback Dak Prescott has sued a Gulfport, Miss. T-shirt company for using his name for profit on several items, reports WCBI.
The lawsuit asks a judge to stop Christian Matthew to cease printing and selling shirts that say “Dak Attack” and “Dak Dynasty.”
The suit alleged that Matthew Print and Apparel Company, LLC did not receive permission to use Prescott’s name or likeness. According to court documents, the items with Prescott's name on them are being sold through the company’s website and are also being promoted on its Facebook page.
MSU's chief communications officer Sid Salter said that several cease and desist notices sent to the company by Prescott's lawyer have been ignored. The school has no involvement in the lawsuit, though Prescott did retain a lawyer through the NCAA’s Opportunity Fund.
"The university believes it's appropriate for Dak to defend himself and protect his rights as an individual," Salter told The Clarion-Ledger.
Once Prescott had knowledge of the T-shirts being sold, he had to take action against the company, according to NCAA bylaws. If no action was taken, Prescott could have had his eligibility affected if he decides to return to school for his senior season.
Prescott, a first-team All-SEC performer, completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,996 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 touchdowns this season for the Bulldogs (10-2). Mississippi State will play Georgia Tech (10-3) in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 31.
- Scooby Axson
