Wayne Gretzky Faces a $10 Million Ad Dispute
Wayne Gretzky, the legendary Canadian hockey icon and the NHL’s all-time leading scorer, found himself at the center of a high-stakes lawsuit. The dispute centers on an advertising contract tied to a slimming gum campaign, with claims that the endorsement did not go as promised.
In the case brought by Steven Sparks, the gum’s developer, Gretzky is accused of participating in misleading promotion practices. Sparks’ team contends that the advertising arrangement, which involved Gretzky’s involvement along with his wife, Janet Gretzky, failed to disclose certain product outcomes. The suit seeks substantial damages, highlighting the financial impact on the gum’s developers after publicized endorsements did not meet consumer expectations.
According to filings, Gretzky publicly stated that Sparks’ product contributed to a weight loss of about 16 pounds over roughly two months. This claim appeared to influence investor sentiment, driving a surge in shares for the slimming product before concerns about unverified results led to a sharp decline and eventual bankruptcy of the Sparks project. The plaintiff argues that such statements amounted to false testimony designed to inflate market value.
The lawsuit further alleges that members of the Gretzky family had previously acquired a large stake in the company and sold shares at a peak following the player’s endorsement. The claim aims to recover approximately $10 million in losses tied to the subsequent drop in share value. If Gretzky does not settle, the case could proceed to trial; otherwise, a pre-trial agreement might resolve the dispute with a lump-sum payment that could still represent a sizable settlement.
Gretzky’s legacy in hockey is unparalleled. He helped the Edmonton Oilers win the Stanley Cup four times and contributed to Canada’s triumph at the Canada Cup on three occasions. Across his career, he collected a multitude of individual awards and set enduring records in the sport. His tally includes nine Hart Trophies as most valuable player for a season, ten Art Ross Trophies for the regular-season scoring lead, two Conn Smythe Trophies for playoff MVP, five Lester Pearson Awards for the players’ choice as best, and the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship on the ice. He held 61 NHL records at the peak of his career, including 894 goals, 1,963 assists, and 2,857 points in the regular season, along with top marks in playoff scoring and assists. He earned 18 NHL All-Star selections as well.
Gretzky’s journey also included stints with the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers after his time with the Oilers, reaching the Stanley Cup Final with the Kings but losing to the Montreal Canadiens in a five-game series. After his playing days, he served as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes for four seasons, guiding the team without securing a playoff appearance in his tenure.
In the current landscape of the sport, fans and analysts often compare Gretzky’s record with ongoing contenders. For instance, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals has emerged as a prominent figure pursuing the all-time goals record, with his goal-scoring tally climbing into the high 700s. This ongoing chapter in hockey history keeps Gretzky’s legacy prominent in discussions about greatness and longevity in the sport. [citation: TMZ coverage] [citation: official NHL records]