Munchak Corp. v. Cunningham
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
457 F.2d 721 (1972)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
William John Cunningham (defendant) was a professional basketball player. Cunningham was under contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. The contract expired on October 1, 1971. The 76ers had a team option for the final year of the contract. Munchak Corporation (Munchak) (plaintiff) owned the Carolina Cougars, a professional basketball team. Prior to the expiration of Cunningham’s contract with the 76ers, Munchak began negotiating with Cunningham for a contract beginning when his 76ers contract ended. As part of the ensuing contract, Munchak offered Cunningham $80,000 if he chose to sit out and not play for the 76ers during the 76ers’ option year. Munchak filed suit, seeking an injunction to enjoin Cunningham from playing for the 76ers or any team other than the Cougars. The district court found that Munchak had unclean hands given the timing of the contract negotiations and denied the injunction. Munchak appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Winter, J.)
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