(CNN) Deliberations in Michael Avenatti's federal extortion trial began late Wednesday morning after more than an hour of jury instructions. Franklin testified last week that he was bullied by Nike executives who forced him to make illicit payments to top high school basketball players and their families. Benjamin Homes, an associate for Nike's outside law firm who took notes during one of the meetings with Avenatti, testified earlier that it "evolved into really a shakedown." "Avenatti didn't see Gary Franklin, he saw dollar signs," he said. They had looked up firms that had "successfully sued Nike" and said it was time to "go after Nike," defense attorney Scott Srebnick said in closing arguments.

Source: CNN February 12, 2020 10:41 UTC