The Chicago White Sox and franchise legend Frank Thomas have had their differences over the years.
It keeps getting worse and worse.
Thomas has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago White Sox, Nike and Fanatics, accusing them of profiting from the sale of City Connect 2.0 jerseys bearing his name without his consent, according to Larry Holder of The Athletic.
The former White Sox slugger is seeking at least $50,000 and punitive damages, according to the lawsuit filed through Cook County (Ill.) circuit court.
“Thomas claims he has received no compensation or other consideration from Nike, Fanatics and the White Sox for the use of his name and likeness, and the retention of benefits those companies received outside of Thomas’ consent violates ‘fundamental principles of justice, equity, good conscience, and fair play,'” Holder wrote.
“The White Sox do not comment on ongoing litigation,” the team said in a statement to The Athletic.
What Has Happened in the Past With Thomas and the Chicago White Sox?
Thomas is a franchise legend, holding records in practically every batting statistic for the White Sox.
However, that doesn’t mean that the organization values him.
In February, the organization posted on social media what should’ve been a celebration of Black History Month.
However, it quickly turned into an ugly situation involving Thomas and the White Sox.
They shared a timeline of the franchise’s “momentous firsts” on social media to commemorate the start of Black History Month.
However, something was missing. Thomas was nowhere to be found on the timeline graphic.
Thomas took to social media to blast the White Sox.
“I guess the black player who made you rich over there and holds all your records is forgettable,” Thomas wrote on X. “Don’t worry, I’m taking receipts.”
Former White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, with whom Thomas feuded multiple times during Thomas’s playing career, appeared on the graphic three times.
More on Thomas and Williams
Near the end of Thomas’ playing career, he clashed publicly with Williams. The most notable argument centered on the team’s 2002 decision to invoke a “diminished skills” clause in Thomas’ contract, which allowed the organization to reduce his pay.
According to news reports, Thomas sued two team doctors in 2006 who had been contracted to treat players. He alleged that the doctors had misdiagnosed a fractured bone in his foot as a bruise in 2004 and cleared him to play. This led to another fracture in the same foot in 2005.
Because of this, Thomas was unable to play much during the 2005 season, including Chicago’s World Series run.
Thomas hit 448 home runs in 16 seasons with Chicago. He also won back-to-back MVP awards in 1993 and 1994.
Even though Williams is gone, the rift between the White Sox and Thomas remains. Will the fracture ever heal? We shall see.
However, it’s hard to fault Thomas for his anger, given everything that has occurred over the last two decades when he gave everything to the Chicago franchise.
White Sox in Hot Water Again With Frank Thomas