Attorney for Felix Jones issues cease-and-desist demand to LR man
Former Arkansas Razorback Felix Jones throws out the Arkansas Travelers' ceremonial first pitch June 24 against Springfield.
Monday, July 12, 2010
An attorney for Felix Jones issued a cease-and-desist letter to a Little Rock man who, Jones says, used the Dallas Cowboys running back's name and likeness without permission.
Brian Davis of Little Rock is accused of using Jones' likeness and name to promote a football camp in Little Rock this week. Davis also claimed Jones would sign autographs at a June 24 Arkansas Travelers baseball game in North Little Rock, an arrangement Jones was not aware of, according to Jones.
"Mr. Davis does not represent me in any formal capacity,” Jones said in a statement. “His statements of my participation in these events were made without permission from my management or me.”
Jones, a former Arkansas Razorback, was unable to sign autographs because of a contractual obligation with trading card maker Topps, and the Travelers were never informed.
Travelers General Manager Pete Laven said he was initially approached by Davis, who offered to bring Jones to the ballpark for an appearance fee.
“I was told he would sign from 7:15 to 8:15, which we put in our press release,” Laven told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on June 24. “Apparently, that was never relayed to Felix Jones or the people who handle his business.”
Jones has since scheduled an autograph session at the Travelers' July 21 home game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. He's scheduled to sign autographs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Autographs are free with paid admission to the game.
“Interacting with fans – especially the kids – is one of the best things about being a professional athlete,” Jones said. “One thing I’ve learned is that when you become a public figure, there are some people who don’t necessarily have your best interest at heart. I appreciate the Travelers, the youth football players and the fans understanding this misrepresentation. I’m eager to see everyone, and I can’t wait for July 21.”
Davis' website, www.briandaviscamps.com, features Jones and former Razorbacks Darren McFadden and Jamar Love as guest counselors for the football camp to be held Friday and Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.
Jones' name had not been removed from the site as of 3 p.m. Monday.
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