Legal representatives for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have sent a cease and desist letter to Underdog Sports over a promotional board game that mocks his playing style.
The fantasy sports company created a parody of the classic game Operation titled "Unethical Hoops," featuring a cartoon caricature of Gilgeous-Alexander.
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The jersey on the cartoon displays the word "unethical," with game slots labeled "head snap" and "push off."
Underdog Sports collaborated with Dillon Brooks, Gilgeous-Alexander's teammate on the Canadian national team, in a promotional video for the contest giveaway.
The letter, dated May 22, was sent by attorney Eric Fishman of ArentFox Schiff LLP.
It demands that all board games be destroyed and that Underdog Sports cease using Gilgeous-Alexander's name, image, or likeness without permission.
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Underdog Sports declined to comment on the legal correspondence, according to details obtained by Jason Jones of The Athletic.
The controversy comes as Gilgeous-Alexander secured his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player award.
His playstyle has drawn criticism from observers who claim he prioritizes drawing fouls over shooting.
However, statistics show he has attempted 246 field goals compared to 134 free throws this postseason, making 120 free throws and 114 field goals.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder hold a 3-2 series lead against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, with an opportunity to advance to the NBA Finals on Thursday evening.
