Claims that Derek Jeter tried to block 50 Cent from an underwear endorsement are “categorically false,” says the ex-professional baseball player. In a statement to the New York Post, Jeter denied allegations brought on by Frigo boss Mathias Ingvarsson.

Jeter is “disgusted” by Ingvarsson’s decision to “make these false allegations against me in the press, instead of attempting to work out our business dispute in private.”

In his $4 million lawsuit, Ingvarsson asserting that Jeter walked from a three-year deal ahead of the company’s U.S. launch. They replaced him with 50 Cent, but according to Ingvarsson, Jeter thought the rapper was “too urban” for the brand. 

“I facilitated the introductory meeting between 50 Cent and the company,” Jeter said. “So it makes absolutely no sense that I would object to 50 Cent being a Frigo brand ambassador or think that 50 Cent is ‘too urban’ for the brand.”

Jeter accuses Ingvarsson of threatening a public smear campaign against him, and says he was unaware of the lawsuit before it hit the press. “I will take all necessary steps to prove these allegations to be untrue.”

BET Sports News — Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports, including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes.

(Photos from left: Jason Merritt/Getty Images, Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)