Earlier this month, Nike filed a motion for a temporary restraining order in the U.S. District Court of Oregon to prevent runner Boris Berian from entering into an endorsement relationship with New Balance or any other Nike competitor.
Although the 800-meter runner’s contract with Nike ended in December, the brand claimed that it had the right to match any third-party offer that Berian received during a certain period of time immediately after.
Despite the challenge from Nike, Berian seemed to have moved on to a new partnership with New Balance.
Now, just weeks after the initial filing, Nike has decided to drop the lawsuit. In a statement, the Beaverton,Ore.-based brand said that it realized this is a significant time for Berian, who will be vying for his chance to compete at the Rio Olympics during the Olympic Trials beginning July 1.
“Nike legitimately exercised its right to match the New Balance offer and believe we would prove this at trial,” Nike said. “As a running company, we also recognize that this is a significant time for Boris, and in light of the judge’s decision to delay the ruling until June 28th, the eve of the Olympic Trials, we decided to eliminate this distraction for Boris.”
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The Olympic Trials are being held in Eugene, Ore., from July 1-10.
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