(Beaverton, OR)  --  Attorney Michael Avenatti is pleading not guilty to charges of attempting to extort Beaverton-based Nike.  The lawyer is accused of threatening to go public with claims of alleged improper payments made by Nike to college basketball recruits.  He reportedly tried to get as much as 25-million dollars from the footwear company.  Nike has also denied any wrongdoing and a trial is scheduled for next month.  Avenatti rose to the spotlight after representing adult film star Stormy Daniels in a case against President Trump.