Nike Wins Temporary Injunction Stopping Boris Berian from Wearing New Balance

Just don't do it.

That was the message from Federal Judge Marco Hernandez to accomplished middle-distance runner Boris Berian who does not want to wear Nike shoes anymore.

Brian had signed a contact with Nike last year that went through the end of the year. The contract had a clause giving the Beaverton-based company right of first refusal if Berian wanted to sign elsewhere.

He wanted to sign with New Balance.

Nike matched the offer.

Berian's representatives argued there wa uno valid contract and the runner wore New Balance at several high profile meets.

Nike went to court seeking an injunction, saying Berian wearing a competitor at a high profile meet would cause damage to the company.

And with the U.S. Olympic Trials coming up as well as the Summer Olympics, Nike doesn't want him wearing someone else's stuff.

"Defendant’s repudiation of the 2016 Contract, if allowed, will cause irreparable harm to Nike. The Olympics and Olympic Trials are only held once every four years, and there is no guarantee that Berian will continue to be top contender that he is today in 2020," Nike's lawyers had argued.

On Wednesday, the judge agreed with the company - granting a temporary restraining order until he can arguments on a permanent injunction.

Both sides will be back in court on June 21.