$PIKE DROPS THE SUIT!

$PIKE DROPS THE SUIT!

Newsmax reports on the end of Spike ìShelton Jacksonî Leeís case against Viacom, accusing the company of encroaching on the fame and recognition of his nickname Spike in their move to rename TNN as ìSpike TV.î

Claiming he didnít want to get in the way of freedom of expression, Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee and Viacom ìsettledî and the suit was dropped. Here's the quote:

"I am concerned that my efforts to stop Viacom from using the Spike TV name could have the unintended consequence of threatening the First Amendment rights of Viacom and others."

The judge had decreed that Shelton would have to post $2.5 million to proceed. Viacom probably paid Shelton something in that neighborhood to come to the conclusion that he should end the nuisance, harassing lawsuit.

So expect to see mega-testosterone Spike TV soon, at a cable channel near you!

Viacom gets mucho publicity on this escapade. Shelton probably comes away with a fat payday. And anyone who reads the news most likely comes away figuring Shelton is a publicity seeking money grubbing headline hound.

Since he didnít want to be associated with Spike TV, maybe his future projects will be known from this day forth as ìA Shelton Lee Joint.î