Overview
- Gilgeous-Alexander’s lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter that, the Athletic first reported, demands Underdog stop using his NIL and destroy all copies of the limited-run Unethical Hoops game.
- The letter, dated May 22, asks for injunctive relief, destruction of physical units, disgorgement of profits and recovery of attorneys’ fees if the company does not comply.
- Underdog created 100 physical copies of an Operation-style game that caricatures Gilgeous-Alexander and ran a social-media giveaway promoted in videos featuring Suns forward Dillon Brooks.
- Underdog has publicly refused to pull the promotion, saying it was playful marketing, and the Unethical Hoops website and giveaway remained live as of the latest coverage.
- The dispute highlights a legal gray area between parody and unauthorized commercial use of an athlete’s NIL and could lead to litigation if Underdog continues the promotion.