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Can Duke star Zion Williamson sue Nike after shoe tears during game?

College basketball's biggest star was injured Wednesday night when his sneaker appeared to break.

ATLANTA — It's the shoe that's blowing up social media. Just seconds into the biggest college basketball game of the year so far, the sport's biggest star was hurt when his Nike sneaker broke.

That had many people wondering if Zion Williamson can sue Nike? 11Alive asked Attorney Randy Kessler, who represents several pro athletes.

Can Zion sue the shoe giant? Absolutely.

Will he? Kessler says not likely.

RELATED: Nike probing Zion shoe malfunction that led to injury

Credit: AP
Duke's Zion Williamson (1) falls to the floor with an injury while chasing the ball with North Carolina's Luke Maye (32) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

"This is the kind of case where fortunately, or unfortunately, we will never know what kind of lawsuit there will be because nobody will ever let this go public," Kessler said. "The damage control here is going to be enormous. The amount of money they will save by not letting this go public."

The shoe malfunction, which forced Williamson to leave the game with a knee sprain, happened in front of a crowd of celebrities, including former President Barack Obama and Spike Lee.

In fact, Kessler believes this could ultimately be a positive for the basketball player in the long run. He expects Nike to offer up a huge shoe contract once the Duke star turns pro.

"I think it changes the negotiations a little bit," said Kessler. "He holds a few more cards now."

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