Michael Avenatti Has Been Convicted Of Extortion In His Nike Case

And to think, not too long ago Michael Avenatti thought he might fuck around and run for President in 2020. Oh how times have changed. According to CNBC, Michael has just been found guilty on three charges “related to his efforts to extort up to $25 million from athletic apparel giant Nike.” Not that long ago I was comparing Michael to Icarus flying too close to the sun so he could punch it in the face. I guess it’s only fitting that he was ultimately done in by another winged Greek God. Strangled by a Hermes scarf. Such a shame.

That was a joke based on Greek mythology in order to redirect you, the reader, from remembering there was a time I dubbed Michael, Avenatti the Hottie. In my defense, that was well before he showed his true colors by screwing over Stormy Daniels who he was representing in a lawsuit against Donald Trump. Now Michael is in more trouble than Trump ever was (or will probably ever be). Michael was accused of “trying to shake down” Nike by “threatening to go public with alleged evidence that the company had bribed amateur basketball players and their families unless Nike paid him millions of dollars.” CNBC reports:

Disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti was convicted Friday by a jury of all three charges related to his efforts to extort up to $25 million from athletic apparel giant Nike.

Prosecutors said Avenatti’s audacious bid was spurred by a desperate need to get out from crushing debt of more than $11 million.

The bombastic attorney, who was ordered jailed last month for alleged violations of his release bond, faces upcoming trials this spring in two other federal criminal cases.

One of those upcoming trials is Stormy’s lawsuit against him in which she accuses Michael of, among other things, forging her signature and stealing $300,000 from sales of her book Full Disclosure and charging her for his Ferrari lease. Of the Nike case, CNN adds:

The government said Avenatti also betrayed his client, a youth basketball coach who made the allegations against Nike, by advocating for money for himself instead of the client. Avenatti was charged with transmission of interstate communications with intent to extort, attempted extortion and honest services wire fraud.

His sentencing is scheduled for June 17 at 4 p.m., though the date could change, according to the judge.

According to Time, “the convictions for attempted extortion and honest services fraud carry a combined potential penalty of 42 years in prison.” I guess Michael’s learning the hard way that if you’re a sleazy, petty criminal and a thug who wants to become President someday, you have to do a better job of making and keeping powerful friends. Better luck in 2044, pal.

Pic: Wenn.com