South MS school district sues sporting-goods giants. Here's what to know
The Hancock County School District filed a federal class-action lawsuit in October against Riddell Sports, Varsity Brands and other major athletic equipment retailers. The suit accuses the companies of running a yearslong price-fixing scheme that inflated costs for K-12 schools across Mississippi and Louisiana. FULL STORY: South MS school district files suit against major sporting-goods companies Here are key takeaways: The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Gulfport and names Riddell, Varsity Brands, BSN Sports, Hibbett Inc., Sports Center and Rex Team Sports. Attorneys describe the group as a “cartel” that coordinated bids from 2010 to 2023. Mississippi law requires school districts to seek bids on equipment and services costing between $5,000 and $75,000. The complaint alleges the companies manipulated that lowest-bidder process. Several sales professionals with Riddell, BSN Sports, Rex Team Sports and other companies have already pleaded guilty to federal charges tied to the bid-rigging scheme. Charles J. LaDuca, firm chairman at Cuneo Gilbert Flannery & LaDuca, said “every dollar overpaid for a helmet or a uniform is a dollar that didn’t go to students.” His firm is representing the district alongside Mississippi attorney Don Barrett. The district is seeking monetary damages equal to three times the
