Avenatti sentencing postponed until July 9 in Nike case

A judge has postponed until July 9 the sentencing of Michael Avenatti for his conviction in an extortion case involving sportswear giant Nike

NEW YORK -- A judge on Thursday postponed until July 9 the sentencing of Michael Avenatti for the once high-profile lawyer's conviction in an extortion case involving sportswear giant Nike. Over the objection of prosecutors, U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe said that the sentencing that was scheduled for next week can be delayed until July 9 but not again. It had been delayed six times before as the coronavirus forced repeated postponements of proceedings in Manhattan federal court. Avenatti, 50, was convicted early last year after a jury rejected his claims that he was a lawyer acting in good faith when he negotiated with Nike on behalf of a California youth basketball coach. Prosecutors said Avenatti demanded up to $25 million and threatened otherwise to muddy Nike’s name. They've asked that he serve a “very substantial” sentence and have noted that the Probation Department has recommended an eight-year prison term.