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NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyer Michael Avenatti says charging Nike $25 million to probe corruption at the sportswear giant was a bargain rather than extortion.
An attorney for Avenatti told a judge Thursday that a November extortion trial should be postponed until January so he can gather more proof.
Attorney Scott Srebnick said at a Manhattan hearing that he wants to subpoena Nike employees and others to prove Avenatti acted appropriately.
U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe (GAHR'-duh-fee) told Srebnick to submit written arguments next week. A message for comment was left with a Nike spokesman.
Avenatti was arrested this spring, when prosecutors said he demanded up to $25 million from Nike to conduct an internal probe of the company or he would splatter the company with bad publicity. Avenatti has pleaded not guilty.
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