Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's management sends a cease and desist letter for targeted ads
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s counsel says Underdog must stop using his likeness after the spoof game went viral and drew attention online.
- On May 22, 2026, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander issued a cease and desist letter to Underdog Sports, demanding removal of his name, image, and likeness from their parody game campaign.
- Underdog created 'Unethical Hooper,' a parody modeled after the game Operation, to mock Gilgeous-Alexander's frequent foul-drawing style, featuring a buzzer that sounds whenever a player is touched.
- Promotional videos featuring Phoenix Suns player Dillon Brooks helped the campaign go viral, as Brooks participated in ads at the expense of his on-court rival, amplifying social media attention.
- Attorney Eric Fishman of ArentFox Schiff LLP demanded that Underdog permanently cease all use of the player's likeness across digital platforms and physical goods, mandating destruction of all game copies.
- While legal proceedings continue behind the scenes, Gilgeous-Alexander remains focused on leading the Thunder through the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, publicly avoiding the criticism.
38 Articles
38 Articles
A new board game mocks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for ‘foul baiting.’ He wants it destroyed.
LOS ANGELES — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander apparently isn’t amused by a new board game that pokes fun at the Oklahoma City Thunder star’s reputation for garnering foul calls at the hint of contact by an opposing player.
A new board game mocks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for 'foul baiting.' He wants it destroyed
A lawyer representing Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is calling for the destruction of all copies of an extremely limited-edition, Operation-style board game mocking SGA for 'foul baiting.'
The Independent
The Independent (US)NBA star sends cease-and-desist letter over board game mocking his flops
The board game is based on the family classic Operation, but rather than removing bones from a patient, players have to remove basketballs from an image bearing the likeness of the NBA star without touching him and causing a foul
Report: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's lawyers send cease-and-desist letter to Underdog Sports
A cease-and-desist letter was sent to Underdog Sports regarding a promotion making fun of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's efforts to draw fouls, according to The Athletic.
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