Lawyers Want to Battle in Court Over Gordie Howe Dispute

November 28, 2014, 5:00 PM

Featured_howe_orig_aspect_14704

As Gordie Howe clings to life, some lawyers want to do battle with the hockey great.

Mike Martindale of The Detroit News reports that lawyers want a new trial to wipe out a $3.2 million verdict in 2013 that favored Howe and his Power Play International Inc. company.

The legal battle dates back to 2007 when Howe and his Power Play International Inc. company sued two former business managers, Del Reddy and Aaron Howard, and their company, Immortal Investments, for unpaid royalties from sport memorabilia shows where Howe appeared to autograph photos and other materials. That lawsuit ended in 2008 with a $60,000 settlement and an order that property, including recordings and books, all be returned to Howe. It also banned Immortal from profiting off Howe's name or likeness.

But when it was learned boxes of materials to be returned were instead destroyed, Howe filed a second suit in 2011 for damages. In June 2013 a six-person jury returned a verdict of $3 million in favor of Howe and his company, which includes his two sons, Marty and Mark. Additionally, the Howes were awarded attorney fees, with interest, which now amounts to more than $261,000.

“We think there is sufficient reason to have a new trial and if not that, certainly grounds for an appeal of the verdict,” said attorney Anthony A. Randazzo, who represents Immortal Investments and Del Reddy, Aaron Howard and Michael Reddy, Del's father.

Howe has been declining health after recently suffering a couple strokes. 

A hearing to address the new trial request is set for January.


Read more:  The Detroit News


Leave a Comment:

Photo Of The Day