It seems Avenatti is constructing a defense that because Nike allegedly paid these athletes then he was allowed to extort Nike with impunity. Even if Nike paid the money, it does not get around the taped conversations during which Avenatti made the extortionate demands. I would be surprised if any federal judge even would allow that evidence to be admitted during cross examination or in the defense case (assuming there is one). The evidence of alleged payments by Nike is collateral to the extortion charge and the government would likely argue it would only confuse the jury. In essence, Avenatti wants to engage in jury nullification - that is, claim Nike is so bad it got what it deserved. Good luck, Mike, you’re going to need it.
Agree. He thought he had so much leverage he could not possibly lose. Hillary-think.
Exactly right. Threatening to expose malfeasance if one isn’t paid is the classic definition of extortion. Avenatti loses.
That was might thought. He wants to prejudice the jury by ‘justifying’ his extortion..Hmmm.