By Jonathan Stempel
By Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Michael Avenatti pleaded not responsible on Tuesday to an indictment accusing him of making an attempt to extort as a lot as $25 million from Nike Inc NKE.N by threatening to go public with claims the corporate made improper funds to athletes.
Clasping his palms behind his again, the movie star lawyer, who gained fame representing porn actress Stormy Daniels in a lawsuit in opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump, mentioned “not responsible” after U.S. District Choose Paul Gardephe learn every of the three counts in opposition to him in Manhattan federal courtroom.
Avenatti declined to remark after the listening to.
Prosecutors have accused Avenatti, 48, of demanding cash from Nike in change for agreeing to scrap a threatened information convention to debate the athletic put on firm’s alleged improper funds to elite school basketball recruits.
A trial is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2020, and will final the remainder of January. Nike has denied wrongdoing.
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