Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s lawyers issue cease and desist letter to Underdog Sports

Key Points:

• Underdog Sports received a cease and desist letter from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's legal representatives over a promotion featuring a board game called Unethical Hoops, which mocked Gilgeous-Alexander’s tendency to draw fouls by sounding a buzzer whenever he was touched.
• The letter demands that Underdog permanently stop using Gilgeous-Alexander’s name, image, and likeness across all media and destroy all copies of the board game, citing unauthorized use of his NIL rights.
• The promotion coincided with the Western Conference finals and included a contest encouraging fans to quote posts about Gilgeous-Alexander’s falls for a chance to win the game; the website remained live despite the cease and desist.
• Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get to the free throw line has sparked debate over "foul baiting" and ethics in basketball, with him attempting significantly more free throws than other players in recent seasons and playoffs.
• Gilgeous-Alexander dismissed criticism of his playing style during the playoffs, stating that accusations of flopping do not affect his focus or performance on the court.