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Miami — Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has emerged victorious in a defamation lawsuit in Florida, securing a $50 million verdict against his former business partners.
A Palm Beach County jury, composed of six members, ruled on Monday that the Nicklaus Companies had tarnished the reputation of the 18-time major champion, subjecting him to ridicule and contempt. Although company owner and executive chairman Howard Milstein, along with executive Andrew O’Brien, were named as individual defendants, the jury did not hold them personally accountable.
Eugene Stearns, who represented Nicklaus, highlighted the golfer’s lifelong dedication to helping others and building a reputation as both a remarkable athlete and an exceptional human being.
“Jack deserved more respect than what he received, and we are gratified that the jury recognized the troubling circumstances in this case,” Stearns commented.
The lawsuit detailed that Nicklaus, now 85, accused Milstein, O’Brien, and others at the company of disseminating false claims. These claims suggested that Nicklaus was considering a $750 million offer to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League and alleged that he was experiencing dementia and could no longer competently manage his personal affairs.
During the trial, defense attorneys contended that executives at Nicklaus Companies had no intention of defaming Nicklaus, framing the matter as a business disagreement. They argued that Nicklaus’ reputation remained unscathed and questioned why a company bearing his name would seek to undermine him.
“He deserved better than what he got, and we’re pleased that the jury addressed the particular circumstances that were so annoying,” Stearns said.
According to the lawsuit, Nicklaus, 85, claimed Milstein, O’Brien and others at the company spread false stories that Nicklaus considered a $750 million deal to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf League and that he was suffering from dementia and no longer mentally fit to manage his affairs.
Defense attorneys said at trial that Nicklaus Companies executives never tried to defame Nicklaus and argued the case was basically a business dispute. They said no harm was done to Nicklaus’ reputation and that there was no reason for a company that shared the golfer’s name to attack him.
Attorneys for Nicklaus Companies didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment Tuesday evening.
Earlier this year, a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nicklaus Companies against Nicklaus that attempted to prevent the golfer from using his name, image and likeness to promote his golf course design business.
Nicklaus joined Nicklaus Companies in 2007 as part of a $145 million deal but eventually quit and planned to continue designing golf courses on his own.
While Nicklaus is once again free to design golf courses under his own name, Nicklaus Companies retains the rights to sell clothing and equipment with “Jack Nicklaus” logos.
