Muhammad Ali sues adviser over use of former champ's name

Jet, Jan 24, 1994

Muhammad Ali recently filed suit against his longtime adviser, Jabir Herbert Muhammad, alleging he forged the former heavyweight champ's signature in fund-raising letters for a foundation that promotes Islam.

Ali wants to cancel a 1991 agreement with Muhammad and the Muhammad Ali Foundation, saying it was obtained under "undue influence or duress."

The agreement, the lawsuit said, was made while Ali was physically and emotionally weak during a trip to the Middle East, where he was fasting and did not have his proper medication.

"Moreover, he has no recollection of the contents of the purported agreement and does not recall ever reading the agreement he purportedly signed," according to the lawsuit.

Ali wants a court order preventing Muhammad and the foundation from using his name and his likeness. Ali's lawsuit also seeks damages. At JET press time, a hearing of the case was scheduled for Jan. 14.