Navratilova sues sponsor of gay credit card

Martina Navratilova is suing the sponsor of a credit card directly marketed to gays and lesbians, saying it is using her name and likeness after she requested last month that it stop. Navratilova is seeking at least $75,000 in damages from Do Tell Inc., which offers the Rainbow Card. The card helps fund the nonprofit Rainbow Coalition, which promotes the health and social well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Do Tell had used Navratilova to market the card since 1995 with the tennis star's permission, said the suit, filed Monday. But in late 2004, Navratilova became at odds with the card's marketing, which she called "inappropriate and repugnant." On February 8, Navratilova's attorneys sent a letter to Do Tell telling them to stop using the former Wimbledon champ's likeness. The suit charges that Do Tell, based in Conshohocken, Pa., has continued to use Navratilova's image. A call seeking comment from Do Tell after hours Wednesday was not immediately returned. Navratilova is a nine-time Wimbledon champion and winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles. She also owns a record 167 singles titles and 40 Grand Slam doubles titles. In her most recent action, she lost in the mixed doubles semifinals with Max Mirnyi at January's Australian Open. (AP)