Nike Seeks Restraining Order to Halt Olympic Hopeful from Wearing New Balance Gear

(Image via Thomas Boyd, The Oregonian)

Nike is seeking a federal court order to prevent Olympic hopeful runner Boris Berian from entering into a contract with New Balance Athletics or endorsing any of Nike's other competitors.

Berian is under an exclusive endorsement contract with Nike, the company says, but has chosen to compete in New Balance running shoes and apparel.

"Because Nike will suffer irreparable harm if defendant is allowed to continue such conduct in high-profile events, like the Olympic Trials and Olympic Games, Nike seeks injunctive relief precluding defendant from continuing to violate his contractual obligations," Nike's lawyers Per A. Ramfjord and Kennon Scott wrote in U.S. District Court papers filed last week in Portland, Ore.