Mark Geragos Ordered to Pay $100K in Nike Legal Malpractice Case
Celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos has been ordered to pay $100,000 to a youth basketball coach in a legal malpractice case linked to an attempted extortion of Nike. A Los Angeles jury reached the decision after a complicated case involving attorney misconduct, failed negotiations, and damaged reputations.
At the heart of the case is Gary Franklin, a well-known basketball coach in Los Angeles. He led the California Supreme team, which Nike sponsored with $72,000 a year. In 2019, Nike cut ties with the team. Franklin, hoping to recover lost funds and restore his reputation, sought legal help from Mark and another attorney, Michael Avenatti.
The Nike Deal That Went Sideways
Franklin expected the lawyers to negotiate a settlement on his behalf. But instead of focusing on his needs, Mark and Avenatti pushed Nike for much more. They demanded the company not only pay Franklin but also hire them for a $15–25 million “internal investigation.” The demand included a threat—if Nike refused, they’d go public with alleged misconduct in youth basketball.
Instagram | @garyfr4nklin | @alex.ianavakian | Instead of negotiating for Franklin, Mark and Avenatti pressed Nike for a larger settlement.
Meetings with Nike took place in Mark Geragos’ New York office. Franklin later said Mark used his ties with Nike’s top lawyer to push the demand. The scheme didn’t go as planned. Avenatti was arrested and sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Mark avoided charges but became part of a legal battle over his role.
Jury Verdict and Attorney Duties
The jury ruled that Mark had helped Avenatti carry out the plan. He failed to meet his responsibilities as an attorney. While the jury didn’t believe Franklin was directly harmed by Mark, they still awarded the coach $100,000.
Franklin’s attorney, Trent Copeland, called the award smaller than expected but still a win. In court, he argued that Mark stood by while Avenatti made demands that hurt Franklin’s interests. By not speaking up, Mark violated the trust lawyers are expected to uphold.
Mark’s Defense
Mark Geragos offered a different story. He said he never officially represented Franklin. There was no signed agreement, no formal legal relationship, and no direct contact. His role, according to his legal team, was limited. He simply connected people and sat in on meetings.
His defense attorney, Sean Macias, told the jury that Mark wasn’t responsible for what happened. He compared Geragos’ role to that of a concierge. “He put two people in a room, had a drink, and watched,” Macias said in court.
Despite that argument, the jury decided Mark helped Avenatti in the wrongdoing. But they also agreed he didn’t commit fraud or try to hide anything from Franklin.
Instagram | wealth | Geragos denied officially representing Franklin, claiming his role was limited to introductions.
Coach Franklin’s Losses
For Franklin, the case wasn’t just about money. He lost Nike’s sponsorship and says his career took a hit. He believed he had a chance to receive a $1.5 million settlement, but it vanished during the failed legal push.
He also claimed that the scandal harmed his standing in the basketball world. While the verdict didn’t give him the full financial relief he hoped for, it did hold Mark partially responsible.
What This Means for Mark Geragos
Mark Geragos, once known for defending big names like the Menendez brothers, now faces damage to his own reputation. While he avoided criminal charges, this ruling raises serious concerns about his role in the failed deal.
The $100,000 penalty might not match the lost settlement Franklin sought, but it still sends a message. Even high-profile lawyers must respect their duties. When they don’t, the legal system can and will respond.
This case shows that trust matters—especially in legal work. And when that trust is broken, even a celebrity attorney like Mark can be held accountable.