Ja Morant’s Legal Victory Over The Wing Guru: What Happened?
In a legal dispute that has captured the attention of both sports and business communities, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has successfully secured a $365,000 arbitration ruling against The Wing Guru, a popular Memphis-based chicken wing restaurant. The case revolved around unpaid endorsement fees and unauthorized use of Morant’s name, image, and likeness.
The Contract and Breach
The story began in January 2022, when Morant signed a contract with The Wing Guru. The agreement allowed the restaurant to use Morant’s likeness in advertisements in exchange for $6,250 per month, totaling $75,000 annually. However, just four months into the contract, The Wing Guru allegedly stopped making payments.
Despite the lapse in payments, the restaurant continued to use Morant’s image for marketing campaigns, extending its reach to cities like Nashville, Houston, and Dallas. Morant’s attorneys took action in November 2022, demanding the company settle the $43,750 in unpaid fees. Although The Wing Guru initially promised payment by January 1, 2023, no payments were made.
The Arbitration Ruling
The case escalated to arbitration, where retired federal judge Bernice Donald ruled in favor of Morant on July 23, 2024. The ruling required The Wing Guru to pay:
- $43,750 in unpaid contract fees
- $225,000 in compensatory damages ($75,000 per city where Morant’s likeness was misused)
- $31,250 in punitive damages for unauthorized advertising
- Attorney’s fees, bringing the total to $365,525.30
Additionally, the arbitrator issued an injunction preventing The Wing Guru from using Morant’s identity in the future.
A Broader Impact
While the deal was relatively small compared to Morant’s other endorsements, including a signature shoe deal with Nike, his attorneys argued that the misuse of his likeness resulted in significant reputational and financial damage.
What’s Next for The Wing Guru?
The 90-day window for The Wing Guru to contest the ruling expired in November 2024. Despite several attempts by process servers, the restaurant has not responded, and it remains unclear if the damages have been paid.
The Wing Guru’s affiliation with other athletes, such as Jaren Jackson Jr. and NFL player Calvin Austin III, has also come under scrutiny following this controversy.
Unbiased Opinion
This case underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to contractual obligations in endorsement deals. While The Wing Guru may have initially benefited from associating with a high-profile athlete like Ja Morant, its failure to honor the agreement led to significant legal and financial repercussions. For businesses and athletes alike, this serves as a reminder of the critical role that trust and professionalism play in successful partnerships.