Local business Rebel Rags has filed a civil complaint citing defamation and civil conspiracy against the NCAA testimonies of Leo Lewis, Kobe Jones, and Lindsey Miller.
The three claim that Rebel Rags gave them officially license Ole Miss merchandise that totaled a value of roughly $2,800. Ole Miss denies this in their 125 page response and, as this filing would insinuate, Rebel Rags denies the exchange as well. The impact this will have on Ole Miss’ situation is currently unknown, though it would be hard to imagine that this won’t impact NCAA’s own response.
Rebels Rags is referred to as Booster 8 in the NCAA case and Rebel Rags Founder, Terry Warren, has been identified as Booster 9. This puts Rebels Rags in a position to lose association to the University, which would likely have a substantial impact on their business.
“People have threatened to boycott the store,” Rebel Rags Attorney Charles Merkel said to Sports Illustrated. “[Warren] has received hate mail. People are blaming him and the store. He is and was at risk.”
It is expected that Rebel Rags will expand the lawsuit to include others who have similarly testified.
