from BAD to WORSE!

This is the body cam footage of the Utah police talking to the former franchisee about the Bricks and Minifigs (BAM) Reckless Ben situation.

The man puts the CEO of BAM, Ammon McNeff, on the phone. McNeff says a number of interesting things:

1) He ADMITS that the family is owed the money, but denies that he or the new franchisee owe it.

I reserve the right to be mistaken, but my understanding of franchise law is that although the franchisor is typically NOT liable for the debts of the franchisee, there are circumstances under which they can be - e.g. if they exercise sufficient control over the franchisee, such that the franchisee can be considered an “agent” under the law.

Given the degree of involvement the CEO is displaying with the new franchisee (the guy holding the phone), that argument might be made.

2) He ADMITS the money is owed, but claims that Ben (Reckless Ben) has no interest in it.

This too is not necessarily true if the owner of the Legos assigned his claim to Ben. But set that possibility aside…

3) McNeff says that Ben and the others threatened to kill someone, attempted to commit extortion, and other serious allegations.

Again, under reserve of the right to be wrong, while it’s not illegal to lie per se to an officer in Utah, my understanding is that it is illegal to make false statements with the intention of getting officers to conduct official acts (i.e. press charges).

With the accusations he is making - that Ben threatened to kill someone! - McNeff might be getting close to that line.

4) McNeff ADMITS the money is owed, but claims the former franchisee broke all sorts of rules in contracting with the LEGO owner, which is why the franchisor terminated their agreement.

Depending on the knowledge of the misconduct of the franchisee, that might be another argument for the potential liability of corporate - if they knowingly let the franchisee break rules to the detriment / fraud of customers.

All that to say, the more McNeff talks, the more damage he causes to the brand and goodwill of BAM - even if Reckless Ben did cross certain lines.