Exhibit 5.1
July 21, 2000
NS Group, Inc.
Ninth and Lowell Streets
Newport, Kentucky 41072
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to NS Group, Inc., a Kentucky corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, by means of a registration statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") of 150,000 shares of the Company's common stock, no
par value (the "Shares") which may be issued pursuant to the NS Group, Inc.
2000 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").
As counsel for the Company, we have examined such corporate records of the
Company and such other instruments, reviewed appropriate supporting opinions of
Kentucky counsel and considered such other matters of law as we deemed necessary
for the purposes of this opinion. On the basis of the foregoing, we are of the
opinion that the Shares have been duly and validly authorized for issuance, and
when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the Plan, the Shares will
be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration
Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Bryan Cave LLP
BRYAN CAVE LLP
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