Andre 3000 stole cartoon idea, claims Boston man. The music, film and fashion endeavors of Andre 3000 may be his own concepts, but his Emmy-winning cartoon isn’t, claims a lawsuit. Boston’s Timothy McGee wants $2 million from the rapper and actor whose Cartoon Network show is a hit. Along with the Network and Andre, whose real name is Andre Benjamin, Turner Broadcasting is named in the lawsuit. McGee alleges that he came up with the original idea for Class of 3000. He says he submitted the show’s idea to a Cartoon Network exec in 1997 when he was an art student and that the “characters, artwork, storylines and concepts” are his. McGee, however, proposed singer Babyface as the series’ mentor for young artist characters who are trying to make it in the ATL music industry.  McGee wants compensation for profits from “Class of 3000,” which aired from November 2006 to May 2008. His complaint alleges copyright infringement, breach of contract and misappropriating of trade secrets.

Former NBA star battles Learn.com. The man who once played Chicago Bulls on-court lieutenant to Michael Jordan’s captain is suing a Web site. Scottie Pippen alleges that the heads of Learn.com for which Pippen is a stockholder, reduced share prices and improperly gave away millions in loans. Pippen and fellow investors want a Florida court to award them damages from James Riley and J.W. Ray, who head the company.

Team standout deactivated for alleged violation.  The football player formerly known as Chad Johnson, now Chad Ocho Cinco, should be well-rested this morning after sitting out Thursday’s game versus Pittsburgh. The Cincinnati Bengals star was deactivated after a reported team rule violation. Ocho Cinco is said to have had words with a coach over the violation. The player had just recently told a newspaper of his positive focus this season after friend and competitor Donovan McNabb reminded him that he’s fortunate to play in the NFL. Ocho Cinco had suggested during the summer that he wanted to be traded from Cincinnati.

Los Angeles Sparks guard joins Athlete Ambassadors effort. Temeka Johnson of the Los Angeles Sparks and Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls are among pro hoops stars to join the Athlete Ambassadors for Education Program benefiting the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The effort brings top sports performers into contact with students through speaking engagements, fundraisers and Black college and university tours. “I am honored to be a part of UNCF’s Athlete Ambassadors Program for Education,” says Johnson. “In today’s economy, all the best jobs require a college education. And in order to get into college and to do well once you get there, you have to start preparing early.”