LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman mired in legal matter with Jack Nicklaus and Nicklaus Companies
Controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf league's CEO Greg Norman has found himself in yet another controversy. He is now caught up in a lawsuit against former American professional golfer Jack Nicklaus filed by the Nicklaus Companies.
Nicklaus Companies issued a subpoena duces tecum (subpoena for documents) on March 20 regarding Norman's earlier remarks on Jack Nicklaus.
Last year, on June 5, 2022, a Washington Post article titled 'The Shark Is on The Attack Again' had a line conveyed to them by Greg Norman. It said that Jack Nicklaus attended a LIV presentation and sent him an email that stated, "The new tour had his blessing."
Now, Nicklaus Companies has issued a subpoena to Norman for all the documents regarding the claims made in the article. Norman must submit all the requested documents within 20 days of the notice being served
The subpoena requests all records of communications between Jack Nicklaus, the Nicklaus family, or their representatives and LIV Golf, but it does not demand direct evidence.
It is possible that Greg Norman will run into difficulties providing papers to Nicklaus Companies that involve any talks about LIV Golf. They are already engaged in an 'anti-trust litigation' action with the PGA Tour in the US District Court in San Jose, and disclosure of any documents might be prohibited by that court.
Jack Nicklaus turned down the deal to be the face of Saudi-backed league
The Nicklaus Companies requested that Jack Nicklaus meet with Saudi authorities in March 2021 to discuss the possibility of building a new championship-caliber golf course in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia. This is according to a document signed by him on September 28, 2022.
According to Nicklaus Companies, earlier in May 2021, Nicklaus's son Jack II brought a $100 million contract for his father to be the face of the Saudi-backed league.
However, he turned down the offer after having a brief conversation with Jay Mohanan, the PGA Tour's commissioner. The reason behind the denial of the offer was that he was not willing to abandon the PGA Tour.
He also felt that this could lead to negative publicity as he is one of the people responsible for making the PGA Tour what it is today.
Jack 'The Golden Bear' Nicklaus had a case filed against him by the Nicklaus Companies, a business he established, on May 13, 2022. Legal action was taken for six different reasons, most of which related to a violation of their contract.
The Nicklaus Companies asserted in their initial complaint that negotiations between Golf Saudi for an agreement to pay Nicklaus for openly endorsing the new Golf League had taken place in violation of the rights granted to the Nicklaus Companies.
Now, Greg Norman has been called upon to furnish all documents in his possession related to the matter.