Prodigy Suing Gannon Buhr | Legal Analysis

[@wtbryant]

No matter the outcome, Prodigy doesn’t win here. Other companies have allowed this-right or wrong. Choosing to put your foot down now…with a very well-liked 17 year old is a terrible look for a company that already has a black eye among most disc golfers.

[@johnny10grasp3]

I guess contracts don't mean much to you.

[@scottpollock1714]

@@johnny10grasp3 contracts are important, but ops point is valid. Gannon's seemingly fair complaints, seemingly got brushed off; from a public perspective my opinion of prodigy certainly isnt going up lol, and again, OP is right other companies have historically allowed this (ik simon isnt a great comparison as his contract was bought out but he is who pops into mind).

[@donnyankrom533]

Tbh.. no contracts don’t mean shit! If prodigy sucks ass they should do better.. the company is dirty.. trash

[@wtbryant]

@@johnny10grasp3 On the contrary…I believe from day 1 companies should have held players to contracts. But they haven’t. To this point, most have seemingly allowed their players to leave if they wanted to. And now-at this moment with a 17 year old, they’re choosing to sue? It’s a bad look. And a bad look for a company that already was looked down on by many of not most. I’ve been playing 10 years and I’ve never heard anybody say “I’ll never throw a disc from…” unless Prodigy is the next word. And this will only increase the number of people saying it. Should Gannon stick to the contract? Absolutely-unless he had legitimate reasons not to. But again…in disc golf, this has gone on for years now without a law suit. It’s a bad look to choose to do so now of all times.

[@daltonbarrett6404]

@@wtbryant see the whole thing about it being a bad look for prodigy is opinion. The fact that they are holding the cry baby kid accountable has turned me into a prodigy fan and I will be purchasing their plastic, which I have never done before.

[@10GritSandpaper]

The irony of Prodigy sueing a genuine disc golf "prodigy" is not lost on me!

[@daltonbarrett6404]

He's not a prodigy. Lmao but it's quite hilarious that his cock is so far down your throat that you believe he is one.

[@Fuhgit-lu4tj]

Haha good one!

[@GregoryM1]

I had no idea this was happening. Thank you for keeping us in the loop, and keeping it unbiased! Well done.

[@seanzzila8]

You were awesome on the Matt & Nick Show last night. I'm glad they pushed some extra exposure to your channel.

[@AndyNotSoSmart]

I don't have a hot take or anything, just a big thank you for shedding some light on the contract situation in professional disc golf with this great example. I hope they find an amicable separation. BTW I am subscribed to your channel now because of the Nick and Matt show earlier today. 🙏

[@Penkkuthehotdogg]

That’s a Smart move👍🏽

[@chrisbruchak4519]

Thank you for an informed video educating people on this. In an age of misinformation, straight forward information from reliable sources are becoming increasingly invaluable.

[@modgmodg6987]

Been waiting for your view on this. Thanks Chris.

[@davycrocket4858]

Is this a disc golf lawyer channel? Right on!KZbin does have every niche covered I think

[@mehameha4453]

You did an excellent job of explaining my favorite type of law. Contract Law. Mediation is usually where things get sorted out. Contracts usually have a. Section for disagreements, disputes and remedies usually require mediation attempts be made prior to any court proceedings. Not worried. But prodigy needs to bend backwards to save face here. They may lose other top players when their contracts end.

[@daltonbarrett6404]

What kind of crack are you on? Prodigy doesn't need to "save face". Crybaby kid who thinks he's some kind of special and above the contracts he signs, is the one who needs to save face.

[@mehameha4453]

@@daltonbarrett6404 Hey, Dalton Barrett, are you ok? Accusing people you don’t know of doing illegal drugs, calling Gannon Buhr a cry baby, (something a 6th grader might do but not an adult), being negative about disc golf are signs things are not ok with you. Just worried.

[@daltonbarrett6404]

@@mehameha4453 lol nice try. I'm fine. Just being realistic unlike idiots like you

[@mehameha4453]

@@spikehyzer23 I appreciate your viewpoint. But without contracts you’d have to make your own discs, baskets, because you couldn’t watch any pros or coverage. And the job loss would not help either.

[@LeverActionLarry]

Why does a 16-17 year old need to remind his sponsor to pay him his bonuses? SHADY BUSINESS PRACTICE

[@tdu5777]

And a $500 bonus at that.

[@Joe-wn4bx]

Oh they just forgot LOL.

[@ericvanbeek1711]

Not paying a bonus would be a material breach, right? Are there certain things that you just can't cure? Why should he have to fight them to pay a bonus? Once you have to do that, your relationship is already beyond repair. Can't fault him for wanting out.

[@daltonbarrett6404]

@@ericvanbeek1711 can't fault him for wanting out. Can fault him for breaching his contract though. Which he did, and legally he will pay for. Honestly hope it ends his career.

[@martinmartins7703]

@@daltonbarrett6404 "honestly hope it ends his career". Lmao you're clearly a very sad person. Seek help, bud.

[@dtrammell]

23:35 I have a counterpoint. As a manufacturer, I would be iffy about signing a young 'hot' player that has a history of breaking contracts.

[@davidmilam1275]

Please keep us updated as this continues to play out

[@kevinfennell7989]

Unfortunate situation where Prodigy loses massively in the court of public opinion, but GB loses the court battle. I believe it's quite clear that GB and/or his mother saw dollar signs and got too impatient. Based solely on the contract terms, none of his concerns qualify as a material breach of contract. The $500 was ultimately paid to GB in the cure time. The disc quality, verbal promises, etc. are not material breaches.

[@reedcole5780]

How patient should you be when you know you're missing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars that someone else is making because of you?

[@combsyson]

@@reedcole5780 well that’s part of the contract period, that’s how contracts work, that’s why we have contracts to keep someone somewhere for x amount of time, sure there’s money to be had, but it wasn’t like this was a now or never moment for Gannon, his stock is only rising, so yes, he was impatient and it’s gonna back fire on him (or his mom, which I think is the main drive behind this)

[@stoffe77]

@@reedcole5780 Hes hardly loosing hundreds of thousands of dollars. To the wide audience he wasnt that well known until last year and at the time hardly bringing in HUGE sales, especially for a smaller company like Prodigy compared to if he was playing for like Discraft/Innova. The bonus mentioned was 500 USD which he got paid. I honestly think the only reason this is happening is because another company made Gannon a good offer, Prodigy didnt wanna let him go and he doesnt have a buy-out clause like Simon. Now Gannon is doing everything he can to leave.

[@flyingfishsurf]

@@stoffe77 Ultimately, Prodigy will offer Buhr a buyout escape hatch. Gannon will use his new contract with Discmania to pay off Prodigy. Welcome to the newest Crush Boy.

[@tdu5777]

​@@stoffe77 From what I read elsewhere they were giving him issues about that $500 bonus and only eventually paid it after a lot of hassle. That can hold little bearing legally because they did eventually pay it. But it could be some insight into what he was dealing with.

[@mikemartin5340]

Siding with Prodigy here. They took a chance on a young talent, and hit. By no means was GB coerced into signing his contract. The fact of the matter is that he ended up becoming a star, wasn’t happy with the deal he signed, knew he could make more elsewhere, and tried to get out of that contract. Meh

[@Chris.Davies]

As the owner of a disc golf company which sponsors many players, if a player were ever to come to me and ask to be released from their contract, I would instantly grant their request. I would want to know why, of course, and I would be sad to lose a player we had personally picked to be on our team. However... Who would ever want to have a team member who doesn't want to be a member of your team?

[@tdu5777]

There is no "win" here for Prodigy even if they win a legal case. It's a PR nightmare for them. Gannon fans (and even people who aren't huge fans) are going to sympathize with a 17 year old being sued like this even if his issues don't have legal merit. It's an emotional response, but it's still a response that is going to make Prodigy look awful and affect them badly.

[@boossersgarage3239]

hahahaahah, gannon's fans. lol.

[@papaschneid]

Contract is a contract brah. Whoever is advising him should be fired. Behind the scene pressure would have accomplished much more.

[@tdu5777]

@@papaschneid do you see me standing up for what he's doing? I'm not. A court case will decide the legal side. This is absolutely going to have PR consequences for Prodigy no matter how the case ends. You only need to look through comments to see people have an emotional response to a 17 year old being sued. The emotional response is what will drive them to not support Prodigy.

[@tdu5777]

@@boossersgarage3239 I'm personally not a fan. I'm not even saying he has any real legal ground. But to say either he has no fans, or that a lot of people aren't having an emotional response to this is just not accurate. Anywhere there's comments on this it's at least 50/50 when it comes to "sides". That is going to have an effect on Prodigy. My feelings about Gannon don't have any relevance.

[@papaschneid]

@@tdu5777 I agree with you. I guess my reply was more of a response to the state of things overall. People full heartedly supporting a professional backing out of contractual obligations because of feelings certainly says something about the state of our society. This kind of behavior shouldn't be lauded as righteous.

[@jamesgmur1167]

I've known for a while that Gannon (and his mommy) are extremely self-righteous, entitled, and antagonistic. Now we can add litigious to that list. Say what you will about Prodigy, Gannon's claims are weak, petty and conniving. Whoever he signs to next, I guarantee he'll pull the same thing again in a few years.

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

yup!

[@stevenfaulkenberry5156]

Well, thought out and very informative video. Thanks

[@MadBass95]

Gannon is right about the quality of prodigy’s discs. I really loved the FX-2 and PA-3 but it’s so hard to find a consistent replacements for my favorite discs of those molds. Really was thinking of switching them out of my bag but now I’m convinced to replace them especially because how prodigy is handling this whole situation.

[@mikeduerr9618]

Funny how Gannon complained in 2021 but resigned in 2022 and had his best year. But yeah the discs suck and Gannon is right. 😂😂. The discs must suck for Isaac and Alden to be rising stars with their best years last year also. Stop with the believing the player just because he said something on his IG page.

[@MadBass95]

@@mikeduerr9618 what makes a great athlete is how you can adapt to unpredictable situations or discs. So if anything the lack of consistency in discs from prodigy helped the guys out. As for me, as an amateur player, still haven’t figured out my prodigy molds. Kudos to those guys!

[@mikeduerr9618]

@@MadBass95 so you’re saying Gannon should credit them instead of blaming them? Hmm. That’s an interesting take. Honestly I hope he loses his court case, has to pay legal fees and other suitors back out of potential deals because he acted like an uneducated little child less than a year into a two year deal. He’s proven the discs didn’t hurt him and he was so desperate for money that $500 bonus was a sticking point. Prodigy loses also in court of public opinion so it’s a lose lose really.

[@orion7741]

hey, at least their consistency is still better than anything that innova can produce.... lol.

[@ParkerTJames]

“Hey mom can you call prodigy and try and get me out of a contract”

[@jtdiscgolf2520]

Great job on the Nick and Matt show. Definitely how I found out about you and looking forward to some of your insight as the sport grows moving forward.

[@manzilla86]

Thanks for the great video! Hoping people like you can help create amicable contracts to keep the sport friendly and positive! Most people saw this sort of nastiness coming as the sport ballooned in popularity, but it would be nice if we could somehow maintain the awesome community we've had.

[@jasonpiquette8697]

Who gave a advice to this kid? He decides to burn a bridge with the company that gave him his start, instead of just waiting ONE year for a seamless departure and huge multi year contract from another manufacturer. Just take 4x the pay and have another solid year and stop burning bridges to get somewhere faster! You’ve got like 20 years left to play at a high level 😭 Now he has a red flag attached to his character (will this not affect other companys’ enthusiasm to partner with him?) Also if he has a worse season with another manufacturer, this will look mighty foolish. I get his frustration with their supposed unfulfilled promises, but this tactic has made things worse for both parties. I don’t really fault Gannon, he’s a teenager. I fault whoever told him this was a good method.

[@marcmendes6961]

His mother is his business manager... when does that ever end well?

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

Greed, impatience and ignorance. Nothing new here and especially when it comes from immaturity.

[@cookdavid85]

Great video. I do agree with most about both parties have partial blame. Also seems odd that he wants to leave after winning the US championship with disc's that aren't up to par. There's probably a lot that the public doesn't know about as well.

[@nehpetsttocsnosirrag6227]

Sounds like Prodigy has issues outstanding in several departments reguardless of fault. Great information report.

[@stephenelliotlye7992]

Thanks for your in sight i was involved very early in the sport in canada. Was treated discustingly by organizers of 1987 worlds. More to that later. Again i value your insight. 3268 pdga#.

[@nc6714]

Gannon is 100% correct about the quality control and mold changes with Prodigy discs... A ton of their discs within the last 5 years have the worst flashing out of any discs company. To be honest, I think they are the only company I've ever seen their discs flashing so bad. And I know for a fact their molds change, I have a proto, first run, and first series M4 all in the same plastics and all 3 of those are the same mold, however I've yet to see a new M4 made within the last 5 years or so that matches the molds I have of the M4. And im pretty sure their plastic compositions have changed too. Not the largest change. But their plastics just don't feel like they used to back in the day.

[@codymoreland4496]

They're quality control and uniformity of discs is a joke

[@joshcallaway3600]

I huge ty for your logical laying out of the details that basically everyone on both sides are ignoring. Based on reading it myself...and not having a law background...I think both Prodigy and Gannon have some reasonable complaints but that its clear GB is more at fault and liable if it should go to court.

[@mopar6873]

Gannon Buhr not only did he just renew his contract but also started saying negitive things in public against Prodigy. Prodigy will recover either way , However Gannon Buhr has damaged his reputation . Who is going to sign up with him after his Temper tantrum.

[@stianaxp]

To me I think Gannon has gotten a better offer, and tries to make up or exagerate minor problems to leave. The discs cant be that bad. His results from last year proves this. No way could he perform the way he did if the discs suck. Mvp paid Discmania 1 million$ to release Simon from his contract. I think this will be the end result here aswell. His new sponsor will have to pay to Get him out. But I think the DiscGolf players now will have to understand they are professionals in a growing money buisness. You cant just abandon a contract because you feel like it. The damage done to prodigy with Gannons claims about poor quality is gonna be substantial. But it can also backfire on him aswell. The companies may be reluctant to sign a person who destroyed another company. It is a bit simmilar to Christiano Ronaldos exit from Man utd. He is playing in Saudi Arabia now. Even thought its big money, I dont think think he would be had he gotten offers from big Clubs in europe.

[@clintsawyer7702]

Iceberg just did a discussion on this, they were actually in the process of making a video already and were in the middle of editing it going over just how many pros have left prodigy over the years for the same sorts of reasons that Gannon is complaining about, and they just hadn't finished editing it yet when the announcement of the lawsuit came about. But lots of big name pros used to throw for prodigy and left specifically stating things like royalty is not being paid, and disc quality being way up there in the list. Pros were trying to buy their favorite molds on auction sites because they said the new molds with the same name were not the same disc and were not the same quality. And that is the biggest thing Gannon has in his favor, he has an arsenal of former prodigy players to back up his claims.

[@robertmunger1594]

So I live around the Mobile, Alabama Area and there was a ton of prodigy sponsorship pros and representatives in that area and still most amateurs will not bag prodigy bc of how terrible it really is. We get a ton of tournament discs from them and I have found maybe 1 or 2 of them worth having.

[@tdu5777]

​​@@clintsawyer7702 I've read this many times, and as you said it's not a new issue. It pops up when a player leaves, then you don't hear about it until another does. The problem is the sport is getting bigger (quickly) which means there are more channels/sites/Reddit discussing this stuff.

[@marcmendes6961]

@@clintsawyer7702 Problem is that has nothing to do with what's in the contract. I promise you that nowhere in that contract does it discuss disc quality. If it was such trash, why did he re-sign with them? Could it be that other companies didn't want to deal with his toxic "management" team (Mother/family)? I don't think anyone will touch the kid for at least a couple of years until he has separated family from his business dealings.

[@qedyt]

I think this will look bad for GB. Having read the court filings and having had some exposure to law, it looks to me like the GB side is more at fault here, and my guess is they would lose in court. They had one year of the contract left, and Prodigy claims it offered a 4-fold increase in GB's salary. He does not respond and then goes public and starts trashing the company. No question, this will damage Prodigy reputation and its business. But what is Prodigy? It is not a nameless corporation but a business with lots of employees whose livelihoods will be at stake if Prodigy goes under. Whatever issues GB had with his contacts at Prodigy, he should have recognized that.

[@Socherbal]

I don’t know who’s at fault. Not willing to pass judgment there. I will say this doesn’t look good for prodigy, even if they are innocent. Buhr is popular and young. I’m not sure a minor should be involved in something like this period

[@Finduski]

Gannon is only popular to americans

[@Socherbal]

@@Finduski so what?

[@combsyson]

Minor or not, he had his mother sign with him and she had to agree to a new contract from someone else too, she is probably the reason he is in the mess right now

[@Socherbal]

@@combsyson I know, but what happened legally when Buhr was a minor shouldn’t affect him now. Hell, you could even get away with murder. Not a contract, apparently.

[@combsyson]

@@Socherbal well this had to happen, it sounds mean but professional athletes in any other sport can’t do this, why is disc golf different. It was bound to happen sooner or later and it got to the point to where it was with a company with nothing to lose

[@ErrorMessage01]

Great Lawyering! I see you also are well traversed in Birdlaw.

[@mech0p]

when your in a contract that says you cant disclose the financials your probably getting less than you should be. Always ask for more if they want to do that.

[@stevenfaulkenberry5156]

I can see how you “ probably” are being paid less than you should be when asked not to disclose your salary. What makes you think that? Is it just a gut feeling or do you have examples? I ask because my gut feeling tells me nondisclosure agreements are very common Have a good game.

[@OngGioi]

you're

[@combsyson]

Simons contract wasn’t supposed to be disclosed

[@mech0p]

@@stevenfaulkenberry5156 Its not just disc golf that does this, Even in most normal jobs people have been taught not to discuss their pay and its so the employer doesn't have to shell out more money because when 2 people are doing the same job and one makes an extra $5 an hr the one making less is gonna go demand a raise. Now exp does play a part in this but if you were paying people right wouldnt you want to let others know this that way they would be more likely to come work for you. There is a reason very few people actually stick with prodigy anymore.

[@joshcallaway3600]

I don't think that is very logical. You do that so as to not call yourself into question concerning differences in pay for different players. As a company you MUST protect your right to pay players the amount you see fit. That's logical and fair business. You do that for other reasons as well. You may have employees that seem on equal grounds as each other but from the company viewpoint one of them provides far more finances for the company. GB for example probably brought in a lot more money then other prodigy guys who have been around for much longer. They may see GB's numbers and be offended when in reality Prodigy is right to pay him more.

[@thebairdMi]

you were very good on the Nick and Matt show TY

[@CamGrovephotography]

Great videos. Keep up the good work.

[@ryaninSartell]

Gannon probably thought he was underpaid based on his success and what other players are getting. Tough luck. A contract is a contract. At the end of the contract go wherever you like. But until then you are under contract. His parents should have explained how this obligation works.

[@discgolfteacher]

Very clear explanation - thanks!

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

Ahh someone on the internet who knows what he's talking about. Thanks for the level headed take on the situation. Hopefully Gannon can get some discs that dont fight against him.

[@daltonbarrett6404]

Hopefully nobody else ever signs him and his career falls apart and we no longer have to see his punk ass on coverage.

[@HoofInDenver]

That was a very logical breakdown of the situation. Well done.

[@marcbenoit6974]

In gannons defense - he shouldn't have to track down bonuses and sales details from a "professional" company. He should just be able to focus on his game. In prodigys defense - gannon could have put more effort in to settling things with them and sticking around for his final year. He was unprofessional as well and obviously in a hurry to sign elsewhere for more money. Overall - prodigy HAS been having quality issues over the year with their plastic and discs and there's got a be a reason everyone eventually leaves that company. I'm not sure prodigy will fully recover from all this. They were put in a tough spot by gannon and by themselves. They should have realized what they had with him and been on top of things and perhaps preemptively paid him more to show him where he stands. When it comes to gannons future. I would be hesitant to extend a contract to someone who openly bad mouths the contract holder and their discs. I'm not sure why but it really put me off hearing him talk bad about the discs. Regardless of how true it was.

[@snitkofb]

It was a weird choice to do this right before the season. No one else will sign him while the litigation is pending - because he can't warrant OR represent that he can grant the sponsor the rights they'd want, AND even if he was signed somewhere else I don't think he'd change his bag mid-season.

[@brekkoh]

given his mom is mentioned by name, gonna go ahead and venture a guess its basically just her idea shes forcing through, and that she doesnt have a very good handle on the ramifications

[@matterickson2098]

To Gannon and family -- settle this quickly and move on. You have a great future ahead of you and Prodigy most likely does not. Whatever it costs you will make it up as soon as you sign a new contract with the company of your choosing. Then you can get back to doing what you do best -- being a fantastic disc golfer for many, many years to come. Cheers!

[@daltonbarrett6404]

Gannon is a garbage person. His actions have caused his consequences. I'm so happy prodigy is holding him accountable and I will be starting to purchase their plastic, even if I don't throw it.

[@keithwilliams1786]

I believe that both parties are at fault for failing to communicate effectively when it was becoming an issue. That being said, I also feel that Gannon may be feeling entitled to alot more money prematurely in his budding career. Whether he received another offer from another manufacturer is arguably irrelevant at this time, and considering Prodigy offered to renegotiate his contract and paid his bonus promptly demonstrates good faith on their part. I agree that this will be settled out of court and swiftly, as the 2023 season is upon us. It is a wake up call to the manufacturers as well as the players.

[@brandoncourteau9696]

In gannons defense on the quality aspect… I’ve had to take a dremel to every prodigy disc I’ve bought except for my vaino A2 that I grabbed at the preserve championship

[@howdyhey4985]

I usually just rub it on cement like a teepad, sidewalk or something and it usually takes it off pretty quick

[@lastchanceihave]

Don't most molds have flashing? I've definitely felt sharp lines on other disc brands

[@martti7363]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@brandenmock6351]

was waiting for your video when i saw the news.

[@StaplesFamily]

Gannon rockin’ a Prodigy shirt at Las Vegas. Keeping his options open haha. Also setting up a “no material breach” defense on his own behalf. As a lawyer, I can say this case is super likely to settle, although maybe not immediately. But it will. And it most likely won’t be public when it does.

[@fumanchumatthew]

Great breakdown. You mentioned reviewing the contract and would not speculate on the potential ambiguity of the language that could factor in. Is the contract available for review? The fact that he cannot disclose his financials is a red flag. Perhaps better council on his side would have avoided this situation. Either way, I think both parties come off as unlikeable.

[@oneopinion6806]

What a mess. Thank you for laying out the technical details of what is melting down here, but from a layman/outsider's viewpoint I don't see how this isn't a lose/lose scenario for Prodigy at this point. They've got a pro who is a minor. Even if they try to spin this as him being capricious and/or his agent-mom being greedy or something Gannon himself has not shown in public exposure to be an issue. To put it bluntly this isn't a Niko issue. So as things began to become contentious between Gannon and the company what is their win here? If they lose in court he 's gone, but even if they win and they, what, force him to fulfill the contract? Hit him with a massive $$ penalty? The PR hit on that is pretty big. But then again the PR black eye has already occurred for Prodigy here. The best chance they had was months ago heading this off and making things better one way or another with this player. I will add that I do see the counterpoint that he's only 17 and this isn't a sport where you need to scramble to get yours before you turn 20 or something. He COULD have just gutted it out for another year and then looked elsewhere. But how well would he compete with that hanging over him--especially given he's literally a kid. Prodigy had to know they could have challenges like this. What a mess.

[@Skiedragon]

I've also been disappointed with prodigy disc quality. Specifically, I ordered an F5 online that was as stable as F1 because of a mold mistake in the rim, and similarly an Ace Line F Model US (understable) that was as stable as S (stable) because of similar issue. Can't order them anymore when their disc quality is so bad.

[@ryanjohnson9620]

Thank you for the video.

[@micahcavender6073]

I hope this helps current and future pro disc golf players to review their contracts well. Thanks for the informative video. Prodigy does make some good points and that damage is already done. I don't think it was handled well on either side. I am a fan of Gannon Buhr. That kid is great and a pleasure to watch. I believe he made a pretty big mistake here though.

[@nolifehippie123]

ALL the prodigy discs at my local shop has sharp edges. They dont even supply them anymore because noone is buying them XD

[@preponement]

The key takeaway here is at 18:00 and the discussion of poor contracts. I can only imagine this kid and his mom/guardian being a little naïve about sports/entertainment contract law but Prodigy and any entertainment brand should know getting a sucker to sign a one-sided contract can backfire massively in the media. Sure, landlords can screw tenants, or businesses can screw other businesses with harsh contracts, but it rarely, if ever, makes news.

[@DiscGolfFA]

Thank you

[@tzbabu]

By the time Gannon wanted to break up with them, Prodigy had already blown what could have been a great relationship. Filing suit just compounded the error. I don't know what Prodigy's promotion budget is, but it isn't big enough to counteract the hole they just put themselves in.

[@brosa1212]

It's funny to see how many ppl are shaming people for liking or throwing prodigy discs. I don't get it. People can still like a mold or a disc and can careless about pro players or the politics

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

I have no brand bias. Its just business. If you make a product I like, I'll buy. I've tried brand loyalty before. It always ends in disappointment.

[@joonaskinni6012]

Wow... To publicly go trash talk your sponsor like that... This has made me truly dislike Gannon. Sure prodigy could've done things differently, but the way Gannon has lashed out, talking smack, for me he seems like an immature spoilt child. Whatever label he goes with next, I ain't buying any signature discs 🐱 Sorry G, thought you might've been a good apple, but seems you're still too green.

[@dustinroberson1865]

On the outside looking in. Gannon is definitely showing that he is young. I think he thought he had it all worked out to go get a bigger pay check somewhere else, like others have done. That being said, this is much worse for Prodigy. If this doesn't get settled out of court, Prodigy will be losing much more than Gannon. The way that they've responded it sounds like they are saying "you're right, we didn't fulfill those verbal obligations, but who cares, because the contract says this". The fact that they went straight to lawsuit before anything else backs that. Hearing other people coming out of the woodwork about how Gannon isn't the first golfer that Prodigy has sued is just icing on the cake. If this isn't settled out of court, fans won't want to buy their discs, and golfers won't want to sign a contract with them. I feel that some of the damage is already done. It's now time to save face. come up with an agreement that benefits both parties. If Gannon doesn't want to be there. Allow him to buy out his contract for a reasonable amount. It doesn't benefit you forcing him to stay.

[@jthrift1]

Thanks for your takes and your help understanding some of the finer points of the case. I look forward to updates on this as it moves forward and we see the resolution to the case. I am hoping the best for Gannon, and I am not a fan of how Prodigy decided to handle this. However, this was a business decision by a company and likely it was their way of trying to recover any losses they might have had from Gannon leaving early, similar to the rumored buy out of Simen's contract that was done behind closed doors between parties. I think you are also right about them finding players moving forward. This is not going to sit right with some of the players on tour. I think they are going to want some power back in the hands of the players from the manufacturers, and with the flooding of new sponsors ( that aren't manufacturers) there are new opportunities to find money outside of a disc manufacturer. Thanks again, and sorry for the long winded response.

[@seymourglass26]

The buy-out is not a secret or a rumor. Simon had a $1,000,000 buy-out clause in his contract. MVP paid it. End of story. It's transparency like this that avoids the problems Prodigy has currently.

[@kroggee88]

I think Prodigy knew they couldn't afford him so they baited him into leaving so they could sue him. Why else would you treat a young superstar so poorly? Their reputation was already damaged before Gannon. They have nothing to lose. My guess is their sales numbers weren't reaching expectations with Gannon.

[@ChrisBuckyBuchman]

Or they couldn’t keep their pockets as fat if they actually lived up to the original deal.

[@joelwiebe1868]

I look at this as a manufacturer standing up to a player. Not the other way around.

[@RatProblemRS]

i believe that gannon absolutely has enough personality and talent to the point where this won’t affect him too much at all. prodigy definitely shot themself in the foot on this one. i believe their sales will drop off and it will be difficult for them to recruit players from this point on, at least for a year or so.

[@daltonbarrett6404]

So you believe that throwing a fit after every bad shot and crying anytime something isn't going your way, as well as breaching contracts is a personality other companies will want to sign a contract with? Lol that's funny my dude

[@marcmendes6961]

Talent yes... personality? Nah bruh. Anytime I see his smug little face show up on one of Jomez's off season specials, I simply don't watch. Same goes for OTB Skins. While I realize this is my personal opinion, he just comes across as very entitled. Knowing that his mother is his "business" manager? That never ends well. I suspect that she's the driving force behind all this. I would think that unless he shows other companies that he has removed family from the business equation, there would be actual great hesitation to sign him, now that he and his family have shown exactly what they are. They're probably thinking that he should get a McBeth/Wysocki type deal. But now that he's shown a willingness to pull as BS breach claim and try to jump? Nah, he and his family are toxic as shit right now. It'll be a couple of years before someone touches him.

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

@@marcmendes6961 isnt it odd that people think its all about the skill? Skill is part of it, but in the end, CHARACTER also matters. Companies look for likeable, consistent, mature and profitable players, as well as skilled. Some consumers idolize people for JUST skill, but a lot of them prefer to patron likeable and stable players. Not everyone wants to support a player who is at a new company each year, AND bitchin' about it.

[@clutchrecords2528]

@@marcmendes6961 while your critiques on the business/contract side of Gannon’s career might have some validity - especially the complicated nature of having a parent as manager… You’re coming across awful bitter. He may not be your cup of tea, but to say he has no marketable personality is unfair. He absolutely has developed a fan base - in part due to his appearance in content on other athletes’ channels, etc. Also, I think most of us are far different than the 17 year old version of ourselves. Important to remember that

[@tommyg5095]

JUST SAY NO TO PRODIGY

[@DaimonSHoover]

I agree the quality on the prodigy discs very, and they do sometimes have a sharp rim

[@kingofcastlechaos]

I have seen some crazy decisions when family tries to do business together. Business is money, and family is emotion. They should never be in the same room. Best of luck to all parties.

[@CharlesJWillard]

Prodigy is having a tough time keeping quality players. Longtime player, Catrina Allen, left to play for struggling DGA.

[@flyingfishsurf]

DGA is hardly struggling. They are in tight with Discraft. Ever play on Mach 7's? They know their niche. Prodigy has chalky plastic, nasty flashings, confusing name/numbering system, odd baskets, nearly non-existant artwork and struggled with good colors. It's too little, too late for Prodigy. I think the writing has been on the wall for a long time.

[@SunKingDiscSports]

You may not understand how many DGA baskets are installed on courses around the globe, definitely wouldn't say DGA is struggling.

[@CharlesJWillard]

I not only don't understand how many baskets DGA has sold, I have absolutely no clue as to how many baskets they have sold. Do you?

[@SunKingDiscSports]

@@CharlesJWillard no clue on an exact number, but they've been putting them in the ground since they invented the disc golf basket in 1976.

[@avassolo3]

I don’t know what will ultimately come from this. My take is though this is not a good look for prodigy. A brand that in my opinion was declining in popularity, sues its own upcoming star. I understand there are limitations to contracts and what have you, but you make this work for buhr and this should never get out for the public to digest.

[@vandygames3376]

the funny thing is you shouldnt have to remind your "sponsor" hey I hit my bonus' for this season and then go out and do it. That just shows how poorly prodigy treats its number 1 touring pro.

[@victorgalvan406]

They should go to the Georgia disc golf courses and pick the jurors from there. 😆 If it went to trial. "Team Gannon!" Prodigy has had issues for years, with personnel and equipment. What a big mess

[@mikejesso3157]

Whoever is in the wrong, or right, the hope is this will change the way contacts in the future will be more than a handshake deal. Seems like the contracts need to be spelled out to the tee, and hopes that all parties involved, moving forward will look at this case, and honor what is written.

[@deciuswtasby]

This

[@CamGrovephotography]

I wouldn't condemn Prodigy just because one seventeen-year-old and his mom are having problems. There are always issues in any company this size. Seems to me that Gannon and his mom are using these issues as an excuse to jump ship. They signed a contract and they need to live up to it. If they have problems with Prodigy then they should try and resolve them inhouse. Remember, there are many pro disc golfers signed with prodigy that do not have these complaints.

[@howdyhey4985]

Ive always thought Prodigy was a lower quality manufacturer. Nobody near me throws their plastic so i may be a bit bias but ive never seen any appeal to Prodigy discs.

[@seanmorris]

If a mould is replaced like GB says the putter was does it have to go through PDGA checks again?

[@coast2coast00]

Yes. That's how many innova discs stopped being made, or changed names. One of the halves of the mold broke and when they replace it they need to recertify the disc. If it's an old or unpopular mold, they make an improved version of the disc with a modified new half.

[@seanmorris]

@@coast2coast00 my thoughts were along the lines of if X dg company replaces a mould, but doesn't submit it to the PDGA, could they potentially be putting (pun not intended) one of their players at risk of santions/disqualification

[@aguila6162]

Gannon Bhur has one year left on his contract. To me Bhur is being a selfish ,just wait for this season to end and he is free. Another disc golf company probably offered Bhur a huge deal.

[@flyingfishsurf]

It's almost certain that Discmania has offered him a spot as the new 'crush boy' alongside Eagle. It he waits 'til next season, some other young future star might have a breakout year. Someone like Isaac Robinson. Or, Gannon could suffer a significant injury.

[@aguila6162]

@@flyingfishsurf No player would announce leaving with one year remaining on thier contract without already making a signing agreement with another disc golf brand. This is why Prodigy sued Bhur because Bhur has no intentions to remain at Prodigy after he was offered alot of money from different company. Bhur injured himself the first season with Prodigy snowboarding.,anyhing happen. Prodigy supported Bhur when he was unkown . Finally Bhur is recognized & Bhur wants to bail out for big cash while Prodigy did not get the chance to profit off of Bhur.

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

@@aguila6162 imagine the fallout if people realized how the music industry works. All I see is a kid being greedy and a company stupidly signing him.

[@aguila6162]

@@shanesplanetshane3795 Gannon Bhur is un loyal spoiled mommy's boy. Prodigy invested in Bhur when he was amature.. Prodigy made no money or barley profit from Bhur , right when Bhur has break out season ,he wants to leave Prodigy for greed. The same year Bhur complains about Prodigy Disc's are poor and inconsistent, was the same year he re signed 2 year deal . 2020 Bhur gets injured snowboarding and misses atleast 14 events . Bhur whines about $500 Prodigy owes him. Bhur lies about recievei a rookie disc when Prodigy made rookie disc the following year.

[@DazO9874]

If Gannons' claims are true I don't want anything to do with their discs, so I won't buy until this is sorted.

[@ryaninSartell]

That's part of the reason they are suing. He's walking away and hurting their reputation too.

[@flyingfishsurf]

Your comment is EXACTLY why Prodigy cites potential monetary damage. Think about it.

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

@@flyingfishsurf yup. I was gna say same thing. Darren's opinion just proves that Prodigy should sue for damages.

[@Chubbydippin]

Thanks for this breakdown and explanation. I wasn't entirely sure what actually led to this and what it all Legally meant. Makes me wonder, if so many people and players have had similar issues with Prodigy, their payouts and their plastic, why did Burr sign with them? I'm sure he had to have some people, savvy veterans, in his corner and ear early on in his pre career. Some mentors if you will. Did anyone in his corner warn him to Not sign with Prodigy? Seems odd with all the complaints coming out that he didn't get steered away from this manufacturer and it's history amongst pro and casual players. Maybe dollar signs were only what was considered prior to signing the contract. Idk. Regardless of who is at fault and or who wins the legal battle, isn't it all too Ironic that a company named "Prodigy" finally signs lightning in a bottle, a true prodigy who plays way beyond his age, 'potentially' the next big name on cards in top level competition for many years to come, and it all goes to sh*t? For them to lose a actual 100% prodigy of a player and the company is called Prodigy? Bizarre. What's next, The Red Sox not being legally allowed to wear red socks? I'm gonna ask Jeeves and get to the bottom of this.

[@daltonbarrett6404]

It's not ironic as Gannon is not a prodigy. Take his dick out your mouth for a second and you'll realize that.

[@gaprofitt]

I like Gannon but sounds like he has no case. He signed a contract and I suspect his complaints are not in the contract.

[@bigman23511]

awesome breakdown

[@findingtheFOOT]

I used to be a disc dealer, offered most brands. My first order from Prodigy had 2 D1's that were so different, one's wing could slide under the other when placed on a table. I sent them an email with pictures asking if they were different molds, just inquiring to figure out the issue. They ignored my email, this was in 2015, and it was my last Prodigy order. Everyone knows their quality control is bad. I'll pass the email onto Gannon if it would help his case.

[@JS-bo3wi]

Definitely a case of a disgruntled employee, my suggestion for all its worth is Prodigy pay him off and let him move on-this may save face.

[@bradberger3093]

Feels like a lot of folks in the comments are hating on the youngster for being young. Also a lot of support for him. The sport is changing fast and Gannon's talent is off the charts. He's going to do big things, so I can understand why he's become impatient. Everyone knows he's about to make some big money. On the other hand, everyone should honor a contract. Without knowing all the facts, it does seem odd that Gannon and his mom couldn't sit in a room with Prodigy to come to terms. Now there's a lawsuit, which means very expensive legal fees for both sides. I don't understand what Prodigy wants out of this suit, other than making a stand. If they want a buyout from Gannon, I get that. What doesn't make sense is forcing a player to fulfill a contract that he no longer wants a part of. I would be more likely to side with Prodigy if they made him their golden boy and provided him with the best equipment on the market. Gannon will get signed by another brand and he's going to rake it. He may be 17 and a bit immature, but he's very likeable and marketable. He will sign a multi million dollar deal in the near future. If I knew that type of money was on the table, I'd be impatient too. Pro athletes are one injury away from not cashing in while the iron is hot. Unfortunately, Prodigy is going to miss out on retaining a top 5 talent.

[@lancedubos1023]

Love your discussion of the Parol Evidence "four corners" Rule. Haven't seen the contract, but based on your comments about disc golf contracts generally and this particular contract, do you think some of that evidence would be admissible to clarify the parties' intent?

[@eliwirth1938]

Great vid! Not quite sure how it's gonna resolve, but all I know is that I now have 1 more reason to never buy prodigy again. Every disc I've ever bought from them had horrendous flashing that took quite a while to fix. Hope Gannon finds a new company with better values!

[@OkieTradez]

IF a judge feels that Prodigy clearly manipulated Ghannon even if the contract states they could the judge can just stop the contract or make the re-do it.. judges have insane powers

[@postscript3150]

Simply a loss in potential sales from the "promised discs" (and, let's be real, definitely lucrative) can be sued upon. Gannon's lawyers are going to easily get something from that.

[@flyingfishsurf]

@@postscript3150 The promises Gannon cited weren't in the language of the actual contract. That why this lawyer explained that the judge can only go by the specific language in the written contract.

[@rynoturtle]

Is he going to be able to play while this is going on?

[@mech0p]

id say so. If anything he can just wipe all discs clean and play unsponsored fpr now and probably take a cut in money from his new sponsor.

[@chipweber433]

@@mech0p seems like that's what he did for All-Star Weekend. I didn't see any stamps on his discs.

[@chrisspencer4226]

@@mech0p except if he plays unsponsored and loses the lawsuit, then he’s in further breach of his contract.

[@stevenlivingston368]

Watching Paul walk away from Innova to Disccraft, changed other companies to signing their players to contracts

[@lsapg09]

false

[@trev3971]

Nah. Innova's business model does not rely on names to move plastic. Paul wanted (and deserved) a big contract, and Innova doesn't work that way, so he moved to a company that does. No handshake deals were breached that made a wake-up call, just normal business.

[@robertkitchens6341]

Dude that was the best explanation iv ever herd if you where my lawyer id bee OJ

[@batjeep5ter947]

Well I was thinking about trying some prodigy discs this season but not anymore. Not looking good prodigy.

[@unmagicMike]

I get loser vibes from Prodigy. Technically they might with this battle due to contract law, but they look like losers. Way to dissuade other pros from joining you all

[@Koronin]

Gannon looking to get that Mcbeth sized deal, he's climbed the ranks pretty fast. Love watching him play, hope it works out for all

[@eringallagher9381]

I think they share the blame. That being said, Gannon is a kid and Prodigy is a company that has created a PR disaster. I can't imagine why a company would want anyone, especially a kid, to work for them, and represent them, when they don't want to be there. Gannon may have made a slightly poor choice in wanting to hastily leave his contract, but thats what teenagers do lol. Prodigy definitely stepped right in it when they decided to fight back so vigorously.

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

well said

[@flopkin]

Just lost all respoect for Prodigy. I will not be supporting their brand anymore. Clearly they're doing this because he's just a kid who's 17 and they're trying to take advantage of him. I hope Buhr comes out on top. This is pretty damn low Prodigy, like really low.

[@-Infamous-Gaming]

To be honest I'm not a lawyer but I don't see a material breach here. More than likely he got an offer from Discmania or another of the big companies and is using these relatively small issues to make a case for leaving. I mean come on a late payment of a $500 bonus is no reason for leaving. Unless some other evidence comes out GB will most likely lose this case in court IMO. BTW not a prodigy fan boy just looking at it practically.

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

we can see the child mentality here.. crying over being paid late and only $500. Holy crap, this kid still ahsnt come to terms with what REAL bills are. Of course, he is just a child and obviosuly his mommy's allowance wasnt enough. I guess G is gna learn REAL quick, what it is to be an adult and what a contract means. Or maybe not. In today's climate, it seems that contractual obligations take a back seat to personal desires.

[@-Infamous-Gaming]

@@shanesplanetshane3795 We cant be 100% sure for his direct reason for wanting to leave at this point but I may tend to agree that the level of "stick to it" is not very present in the younger generations. Mostly cuz its not being taught but largely I blame the " its all about me" culture.

[@RGMDG]

They're probably legitimate issues with Prodigy and Gannon's contract. But does the fact that Simon L. just signed a HUGE deal with MVP have anything to do with Gannon and his mom trying to expedite the dissolution of his recent 2-year extension with Prodigy? Sounds a little like that might be something to consider in the overall discussion or that may be providing additional motivation to end the Prodigy deal. Yes, I am speculating and that is probably not good to do as I don't know their underlying motivation other that what has been shared, but I am familiar with human nature, having been human most of my life..

[@earthman808]

The date stamps would indicate otherwise.

[@DylanMSmith]

I lost complete respect for the way the kid did this. Baiting other companies to buy him out is what his video said to me. Kid doesn't want to put the time in like Paul, Ricky, Simon, James and the ones making the real $$$ right now.

[@chrisclinton1649]

Those guys paved the way for the younger generation to make more money faster. When one link in the chain is pulled up, the entire chain rises.

[@flyingfishsurf]

Buhr wants to expedite this quickly because Discmania has most likely offered up Simon's slot to him. If he can't jump on it now, by next year, maybe Discmania would prefer to have someone like Isaac Robinson instead of Gannon Buhr. He needs to strike while the iron is hot. What if he gets injured this year? The near future will produce tons of young up & comers. Most will be under the age of 18.

[@RGMDG]

@@DylanMSmith it does kind of appear that way. The issues he an his mom raised do seem somewhat minor, Compared to a potentially higher payout from another sponsor.

[@hoffdog6]

I think it a great time for this to happen. I am not a prodigy nor a Buhr fan. But it is early enough in his career that this will be forgotten about soon, and who cares what happens to prodigy. At least they get to take one for the team (other manufacturers) and make it easier for the next guy.

[@profitmonsters8186]

My unpopular opinion is that people are going to side with Gannon, more than they will with prodigy however, I think both parties are at fault. With the way that society is, it won’t surprise me to see more of an attack on prodigy, as a company for trying to come after an individual, but I think from a business standpoint, they are just trying to protect themselves which shouldn’t cause other people to stray from that brand if they like using that product. It’s literally only one issue like this that they have had that has blown up.

[@Predilus]

What ever irreparable damage should occur to prodigy, they did this to themselves. GB just claimed the bonuses he already earned, prodigy on the other hand declined those and instead offered a new contract with more bonuses. This is a material breach of a contract and it looks pretty crooked.

[@DylanMSmith]

Gannon is just seeing big contracts go out, and he's trying to cash in. 💸 He doesn't care about the company that helped him become the player he is.

[@oneopinion6806]

I'm interested in that phrase "helped him become the player he is." Do you mean exposure by paying his way into tournaments? Obviously they provided him with a lot of plastic and money, but it's not like he needed a salary to live--the guy clearly doesn't pay rent. Do you think they provided some other professionals to train him up? I think there are other sports where there is a more clear patronage, say like auto racing or something, and other sports where you have to have a sponsor/team to compete in the first place. Disc golf isn't really either of those things. I do agree he and his agent-mom were probably seeing money passing them by, but that friction happens in all professional sports.