Hall of Famer Frank Thomas has filed a civil lawsuit against the Chicago White Sox, Nike, and Fanatics over unauthorized use of his likeness on City Connect 2.0 jerseys. The suit, filed in Cook County, Illinois, seeks damages exceeding $50,000 and demands a jury trial. Thomas alleges the team sold jerseys featuring his No. 35 without permission.

Thomas' attorney William T. Gibbs stated the complaint violates the Illinois Right to Publicity Act, arguing companies cannot profit from someone's identity without consent. The White Sox declined to comment on active litigation, while Nike and Fanatics did not respond. A case management hearing is scheduled for May 21 in Cook County Circuit Court.

This legal action follows a history of tension between Thomas and the White Sox organization. In 2002, the team invoked a 'diminished skills' clause in his contract after he failed to make the All-Star team. Thomas previously sued White Sox doctors in 2006 over a misdiagnosed foot injury. Last month, he criticized the team's Black History Month social media post for omitting his achievements. The Big Hurt, who led the franchise in multiple offensive categories during his 16 seasons with Chicago, remains one of baseball's most accomplished sluggers.