Avenatti Wins, Loses At Manhattan Pre-Trial Hearing
Avenatti Wins, Loses At Manhattan Pre-Trial Hearing

Federal prosecutors won't be allowed to try to show that Michael Avenatti’s heavy debts gave him a motive to extort Nike Inc.

US District Judge Paul Gardephe's ruling in Manhattan on Wednesday gave a victory to the celebrity lawyer.

Reuters reports Avenatti has been in solitary confinement following his Jan.

14 arrest.

He wore a thin, dark gray, short-sleeve collarless shirt with matching pants and orange sneakers to Wednesday’s hearing.