Chicago Bears safety Major Wright and several other NFL players may have some ‘splaining to do. According to WLS-TV in Chicago, the league is investigating whether the promoters of a traveling porn expo used images of the players illegally in promoting a recent show in Miami.
In an ad for the show in Miami last month, what was billed as an official launch party featured porn stars and NFL players, including Chicago Bears safety Major Wright, billed as one of the party hosts.
Wright’s photo in a Bears uniform troubles the Bears’ front office. Team spokesman Jim Christman tells the I-Team that “this is an improper use of team marks and the Chicago Bears are not associated with this ad.”
Christman said that “many times players themselves are unaware of the violation and companies simply pull images and make ads not realizing they are in violation.”
The other players pictured on the poster were Oakland Raiders’ receiver Jacoby Ford, Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson, Kansas City Chiefs corner Brandon Flowers and safety Eric Berry (Berry’s agent denies that his client was at the event). Several other players listed on the flyer but not pictured were Baltimore Ravens fullback Anthony Allen, Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas and San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Corey Liuget – all rookies.
It’s not crazy to think that someone used these players names and likenesses without their knowledge. Wright is described as a “fixture in Miami’s South Beach Party scene”, so it’s possible that a promoter would use that as an easy way to draw crowds. Although I can’t imagine it’s hard to draw crowds with the promise of the world’s biggest porn stars.
The WLS story ends with a note that the Bears are expected to keep a close eye on the upcoming edition of the expo which will be held in Chicago and ends with this perfect sentence.
A village spokesman for Rosemont said they plan to put Exxxotica in a corner of the convention center so as not to arouse the public.
“Arouse the public”? HA!
