TULSA, Okla. – Jack Nicklaus is being sued.
By Nicklaus Companies.
According to a report by Sports Illustrated, a complaint was filed May 13 against the golf legend in the Supreme Court of the State of New York by New York businessman Howard Milstein, executive chairman of the Nicklaus Companies who also oversees Golf Magazine and Golf.com. The suit alleges tortious interference, breach of contract and breach of judiciary duty.
The complaint claims Nicklaus was paid $145 million in 2007 to provide exclusive services and property to the Nicklaus Companies, a conglomerate founded in 1970 as the Golden Bear International Inc. The company includes golf course design, licensed apparel, eyewear, artwork and other goods and services.
The suit alleges Nicklaus has failed to deliver on the terms of the deal. It also accuses Nicklaus, 82, of working on occasion directly against the company.
According to S.I., the complaint details three instances of breach of contract by Nicklaus, including his involvement in a video game featuring the Masters and PGA Tour and alleged negotiations Nicklaus had with the Saudi Arabia-funded Public Investment Fund. Nicklaus told the Fire Pit Collective he was offered but turned down $100 million to be the CEO of the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
“The claims made by Howard Milstein are untrue,” Nicklaus said in the statement released by his organization. “Our relationship has been a difficult one, at best. I have little doubt about the outcome, but I don’t intend to make this a public spectacle, if it can be avoided.”
Following S.I.’s report, Nicklaus Companies released a statement.
“We have great admiration and tremendous respect for Jack and his legacy and have tried everything to avoid taking this step. We are asking the court to sort out the legal responsibilities of the parties so that there is no confusion or misunderstanding going forward,” the statement said. “We are saddened to be put in a situation that now requires intervention from a court, but we have a responsibility to Nicklaus Companies and its employees, as well as to our customers and partners, to ensure that nothing disrupts the ongoing business of the company. We are confident that working together we can resolve this quickly and amicably.”
