Bull riders' agent sues company

Tuesday, February 6th 2007, 7:30 am

By: News On 6

EL RENO, Okla. (AP) _ The sports agent for several professional bull riders is suing makers of an alternative to smokeless tobacco for allegedly failing to pay them for endorsements.

Yukon-based Cowboy Sports Agents Incorporated filed a lawsuit in Canadian County District Court last week against Blue Whale, a non-tobacco smokeless dip made of tea leaves.

Cowboy Sports Agents represents Cory McFadden, Guilherme Marchi, Travis Briscoe, Dustin Hall, Ross Johnson, Gerardo Venegas, Mike White and Chris Shivers.

The lawsuit alleges that the bull riders haven't been compensated for advertising Blue Whale products, wearing Blue Whale apparel, and promoting the product during appearances and competitions in Professional Bull Riders events.

Blue Whale spokesman Mike Welch declined to comment on the lawsuit, which asks for damages exceeding ten-thousand dollars.

A court date hasn't been set.