Rory McIlroy involved in legal battle with former management company

Rory McIlroy is looking to bounce back this year after a disappointing golf season in 2013. The former world No. 1 signed with Nike and became one of the wealthiest 24-year-old’s in the world last year, but his game faltered. Back in November, McIlroy hinted that legal troubles with sponsors contributed to his poor play in 2013. He may still be having them.

According to the Irish Independent, McIlroy attended a hearing earlier this week that dealt with a lawsuit he has filed against his former management company. McIlroy reportedly claims he signed an agreement with the company under “undue influence” when he was 22 years old.

McIlroy claims he has paid “unreasonable” fee rates to the company that are far greater than an athlete would pay a standard sports agency. He also does not believe he has to pay the company, Horizon Sports Management in Dublin, fees related to his $20 million per year endorsement deal with Nike.

The agency denies the claim and insists McIlroy freely entered into an agreement in 2011. They say he agreed to pay them certain fees and are seeking roughly $3 million in fees for of-course revenues earned by McIlroy. They are also seeking damages, claiming McIlroy continues to breach their contract.

All legal jargon aside, McIlroy fans should be hoping the youngster is able to is able to focus on his golf game this year. He and Caroline Wozniacki are engaged to be married, so one would think analysts would get off his case about Woz being a distraction. Hopefully the legal troubles are sorted out sooner rather than later.