Education · Hancock County
Hancock County School District Sues Sports Gear Suppliers Over Alleged Bid-Rigging
The Hancock County School District filed a class-action antitrust lawsuit in federal court in Gulfport, Mississippi, accusing Riddell Sports, Varsity Brands, BSN Sports, Hibbett Inc., Sports Center, and Rex Team Sports of coordinating bids to inflate prices for K-12 athletic equipment from 2010 to 2023. The suit alleges the companies manipulated the lowest-bidder selection process required by Mississippi law for purchases between $5,000 and $75,000. Several sales professionals involved have already pleaded guilty to federal Sherman Act violations. The district seeks treble damages on behalf of affected school districts in Mississippi and Louisiana.