ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, December 22, 1995 TAG: 9512220049
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
Home run king Hank Aaron was in federal court in Miami on Thursday to face allegations he breached contracts with three sportswear companies who claim to have exclusive permission to use his major-league baseball license.
Though he entered into contracts in February with Dynasty Apparel Industries Inc., Giant Prints Inc., and Dino Di Milano Corp., Aaron granted permission to a fourth company to use his license, according to a lawsuit filed by the three South Florida companies.
Their contracts guarantee the ``exclusive right to exploit [Aaron's license] in their sole and absolute discretion,'' the companies said in court documents.
The three companies asked U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore on Thursday to force Aaron to honor the contracts and for a jury trial to determine damage awards.
In other news:
The Norfolk Tides have named Bruce Benedict as their new third-base coach. Benedict played as a catcher for the Atlanta Braves and was an All-Star in 1981 and 1983.
The Kansas City Royals traded first baseman Wally Joyner to the San Diego Padres for infielder Bip Roberts. Joyner hit .310 with 12 homers and 83 RBI in 1995. Roberts hit .304.
The NFL fined Miami Dolphins linebacker Bryan Cox $17,500 and Buffalo Bills fullback Carwell Gardner $15,000 after their fight in a game last week.
LENGTH: Short : 39 linesby CNB