BREAKING NEWS – Manhattan, New York – A Manhattan federal judge sentenced disgraced California lawyer Michael Avenatti to two-and-a-half years in prison over his attempt to extort an estimated $25 million from Nike.
Avenatti, 50, was convicted on charges of trying to extort up to $25 million from the Beaverton, Oregon-based sportswear giant when he represented a Los Angeles youth basketball league organizer upset Nike had ended its league sponsorship.
Judge Paul Gardephe described Avenatti’s conduct as “outrageous” during Thursday’s trial, according to Reuters. Several journalists also noted on Twitter that the lawyer was seen crying in court before giving his speech.
“I deeply regret what I did,” said Avenatti while sobbing uncontrollably. “I never should have tried to rip off Nike, when I knew that Reebok was a much easier target.”