Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State makes a reception against Rutgers last season.
COLUMBUS — Former Ohio State football wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s first pro football lawsuit came months before his first pro football game.
Fanatics sued Harrison in the New York Supreme Court for breach of contract. The company — a leading brand in sports apparel, trading cards and other products — alleges it signed a deal with Harrison last May in excess of $1 million. In the lawsuit filed Saturday night, Fanatics alleges Harrison has not lived up to the terms of that agreement.
According to ESPN, Harrison’s representatives say no such contract exists. The Arizona Cardinals drafted Harrison fourth overall in last month’s NFL Draft after a two-time unanimous All-America career at Ohio State.
ESPN reported the details of Harrison’s agreement with Fanatics were redacted from the lawsuit. The suit also names The Official Harrison Collection LLC as a defendant. Harrison sells signed memorabilia via The Official Harrison Collection LLC website.
Harrison reportedly does not have an agent and is represented by his father, NFL Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr.
Harrison should probably have one of the NFL’s best-selling rookie jerseys and a high rating on the Madden video game. Instead, Harrison has no presence in those formats after, so far, declining to sign his NFLPA group licensing agreement.
Harrison took a somewhat unorthodox approach to the pre-draft process. He did not work out or do media interviews at the NFL combine or Ohio State’s pro day. He continued to work out at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in the months leading up to the draft.
Now, his NFL business relationships are also off to an unorthodox beginning.
