Just one month ago, Texas A&M was depicted as a bully who got its thrills from suing double amputee cancer survivors. The story generated headlines like these:
“Texas A&M threatens to sue double amputee, cancer survivor”
“Texas A&M tackles double amputee over ’12th Man'”
“Texas A&M plays hardball with a double amputee over 12th Man trademark”
Those headlines appeared on July 2nd and 3rd when news broke that Texas A&M sent multiple cease and desist letters to a group of Bills fans who founded the site 12thManThunder.com, one member of which happens to be a double amputee cancer survivor.
Charles “Chuckie” Sonntag, the aforementioned individual, told reporters earlier this month, “My experience has proven two things: a handicapped person can accomplish just about anything â and Texas A&M will sue just about anybody.”
Today the headline is that Texas A&M has reached a settlement agreement with the group that will result in the 12thManThunder.com domain name and associated social media accounts reverting to Texas A&M. And Chuckie Sonntag has sure changed his tune.
Kristi A. Dosh is the founder of BusinessofCollegeSports.com and has served as a sports business analyst and contributor for outlets such as Forbes, ESPN, SportsBusiness Journal, Bleacher Report, SB Nation and more. She is also the author of a book on the business of college football, Saturday Millionaires. Kristi is a sought-after consultant and speaker on topics related to the business of college sports and a former practicing attorney.
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