A gold medal-winning Olympian and trailblazing Harlem Globetrotter is taking a stand against an NYC business that has shamelessly profited from her name without permission. Lynette Woodard, the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters, is sending a clear message: exploitation will not go unchecked.
In a bold lawsuit, Woodard reveals that she never authorized the sale of overpriced merchandise—including $150 hoodies and $100 sweats—crafted by the company Undrcrwn. Her name and legacy have been used to enrich a business that knew exactly what they were doing by bypassing her consent. They took advantage of her status, fully aware she wouldn’t give permission for free.
At 65 years old, this remarkable athlete, who captained the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team in 1984, is seeking justice after learning that these products were sold between 2021 and 2024 and remain available in the secondary market. Woodard stands as a two-time All-American and the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball, and she is not going to let her achievements be trampled upon.
Despite the notoriety of her contributions to sports, both Undrcrwn and the Globetrotters have chosen to remain silent on this matter. Woodard’s pursuit of unspecified damages is about more than just money; it’s about protecting her legacy and setting a precedent that artists and athletes deserve respect and rightful recognition. The time for accountability is now.
