Mark Geragos has been ordered to pay $100,000 to youth basketball coach Gary Franklin due to a 2018 scheme to extort Nike, where Geragos allegedly helped disbarred lawyer Michael Avenatti mishandle a promising settlement. The scheme's failure resulted in the arrest of Avenatti and a prison sentence, impacting Franklin's potential earnings and reputation. The jury concluded that while Geragos aided wrongful conduct, they did not find he harmed Franklin. Despite the $100,000 award being less than desired, it was seen as a victory by Franklin's team, while Geragos' defense claimed no harm had occurred.
The jury found that Geragos aided and abetted Avenatti, knowingly assisted in wrongful conduct and ultimately breached his duties as a lawyer, although it found that Franklin wasn't harmed by Geragos.
Franklin asserted that it derailed his chances at a million-dollar payday, along with his reputation and livelihood.
The $100,000 award was less substantial than we believe the evidence proved but a win nonetheless.
We are gratified that the jurors saw through this lawsuit and found Mr. Geragos caused no harm.
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