Non-Profit Company Suing LeBron James for Slogan Use Will Do More Harm Than Good

LeBron James has been known to use the phrase "More Than an Athlete" when he draws criticize him for speaking out about subjects beyond simply basketball. It all started with Fox News pundit Laura Ingraham telling James to "shut up and dribble," and as LBJ is not known for shutting up, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is now trying to take advantage of the situation, making "More Than an Athlete" something of a personal slogan.

James has used the phrase on merchandise and has surely generated a certain amount of revenue off it. But now, a non-for-profit company called Game Time is suing LeBron James for $33 million for using the phrase, for which they own the trademark. Legal or not, however, this is a bad look for the company.

James uses the phrase "More Than an Athlete" all the time for positive causes, helping young kids and adult athletes alike understand that they can and should feel empowered to use their platforms for something greater than themselves. Why would Game Time sue James for this? There's surely a better way for the two parties to find common ground on which to settle amicably.

Furthermore, Game Time is a nonprofit company. If this purely about money, they're betraying their own mission, legitimate legal claims aside.

Hopefully, James will not let this deter him. He has the NBA season to get back to, after all. Hopefully, a positive end can emerge from this standoff.