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OFF BEAT: NFL's Chris Johnson takes legal action over 'Dreads on a Stick'

Posted On: Nov. 7, 2011 12:00 AM CST

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Mostly known for carving through defensive lines, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is reportedly taking on an offensive effort of a different sort.

According to a report by the celebrity news website TMZ.com, Mr. Johnson is exploring legal action against the makers of a plastic replica of the star player's signature dreadlocks. The product, called “Dreads on a Stick,” consists of synthetic black dreadlocks attached to, well, a stick. The packaging, according to TMZ.com, featured unauthorized uses of Mr. Johnson's name and likeness.

According to the website's report, Mr. Johnson was furious about the product and worried that his fans would be tricked into believing he had formally endorsed it.

“My lawyers are on it,” Mr. Johnson reportedly told TMZ.com. “The site is already shut down, and I'm investigating to see if these guys made any money off of this deceptive scheme.”

One of the makers of the product also reportedly spoke to TMZ, claiming that he and his company had “been involved with Chris Johnson and his business team for the last six months.”