Hall of Famer Frank Thomas is suing the Chicago White Sox for unauthorized use of his likeness on new jerseys. The jerseys, which bear Thomas' name, were sold without his permission, leading to the lawsuit alleging violations of the Illinois Right to Publicity Act. Thomas claims he has received no compensation from the White Sox, Nike, or Fanatics.
This conflict highlights longstanding tensions, particularly regarding the team's omission of Thomas from a recent Black History Month graphic. Thomas played 16 years for the White Sox, setting numerous records.