A company co-owned by Olympic runner Nick Symmonds has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against USA Track & Field and the U.S. Olympic Committee, alleging rules regarding the type of sponsorships athletes can display on their uniforms at the U.S. Olympic trials violate antitrust laws.
Attorneys from Hausfeld LLP filed the lawsuit on behalf of Run Gum, which is owned by Symmonds and running coach Sam Lapray, in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon on Wednesday.
The lawsuit alleges that rules limiting athletes to displaying sponsorships from apparel and equipment manufacturers pre-approved by USATF violates the Sherman Antitrust Act.