National Basketball Association

Manager: Michael Jordan protects image for youngsters

Published Aug. 17, 2015 3:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHICAGO (AP) Michael Jordan's business manager says the former basketball star's image has been meticulously protected so young people will know of his achievements.

Curtis Polk testified Monday in federal court in Chicago in the former Chicago Bulls star's lawsuit seeking damages from a now-defunct grocery store chain that used his image without permission.

Polk says marketing deals can have promotional value for Jordan beyond cash compensation.

But defense attorney Steve Rosenfeld disputed the value of Jordan's recent deals, focusing on a $500,000 agreement that allowed Sirius Radio to use Jordan's image in an ad.

Earlier, Jordan expert witness and Smith College economist Andrew Zimbalist testified the fair market value of Jordan's image in advertising is at least $10 million. He noted Jordan's endorsement income was $75.5 million in 2012.