Court Request for Endorsement of Pete Rose's Posthumous Name, Image, and Likeness Agreement
Pete Rose, the legendary baseball player, passed away in September 2024, leaving behind a contentious estate battle in Nevada. A one-page licensing agreement, signed and dated in March 2023, has become a central point of contention.
Sports agent Mike Maguire was legally authorised to exercise negotiation authority over all licensing and endorsement deals related to Rose's name and likeness. This was granted to him by Rose himself through a power of attorney before his death. The agreement entitles Maguire to earn a 5% commission on new deals and an additional 5% for expenses.
However, Rose died intestate, without leaving a will, which has led to a series of legal challenges. Fawn Rose, one of Rose's daughters, and Amber Fiechtner were appointed co-administrators of the estate, but Fawn's role is currently being challenged by Rose's son, Tyler.
Fawn has accused Maguire of operating without legal authority in pursuing NIL deals since Rose's death. She requested a temporary restraining order from the Nevada Circuit Court in June to block Maguire from using the licensing agreement. However, the request was denied by Judge Carolyn Ellsworth, who ruled that Fawn had failed to show how Maguire's actions caused immediate and irreparable harm.
The document may face scrutiny due to several handwritten amendments and potential conflict of interest, as Dawn Erika Plancarte, who signed the agreement as a witness, is also entitled to one-third of the proceeds from any future NIL deals involving Rose.
Tyler Rose, Pete Rose II, and Dawn Erika Plancarte are the only beneficiaries to the licensing agreement, with neither Fawn nor Rose's other daughters, Cara and Morgan Erin Rubio, included.
The revenue generated from licensing rights is expected to far exceed the value of Rose's estate, especially since he has been reinstated by Major League Baseball. The one-page agreement stipulates that it cannot be bought or sold without prior written consent from Maguire.
Maguire argues that the signed and notarized agreement with Rose exists outside the probate process and is therefore not subject to the administration of his estate. The validity of the licensing agreement is currently being petitioned in a Nevada state court.
This ongoing legal battle sheds light on the complexities of estate management and the potential conflicts that can arise when posthumous agreements are involved. As the case progresses, it is hoped that a fair resolution will be reached that respects Rose's legacy and the interests of all parties involved.
