A promise made to Marcus Jordan -- son of Michael -- by the University of Central Florida coaching staff could wind up costing the school $1.9 million.
The problem? UCF is an Adidas school... and the Jordan family has a pretty strong relationship with the folks at Nike. The Nike vs. Adidas issue was discussed during the recruiting process, and Jordan the younger was given the impression that he'd be able to wear Jordan brand kicks. Adidas apparently hasn't signed off on any such agreement.
Brand loyalty runs deep in the Jordan clan. Back in 1992, the toughest obstacle MJ and several of his Dream Team-mates faced at the Barcelona games wasn't on the court... it was finding a a way to cover up the Reebok logos on their USOC-mandated warmup jackets. And at the Basketball Hall of Fame Banquet and Ring Ceremony last month, Jordan spoke glowingly about his experiences as a member of the Nike family, and the connections he'd made to other Nike players and coaches -- including fellow inductee C. Vivian Stringer. More than a Tar Heel, a Bull or a Bobcat, Michael Jordan is a member of Team Nike.
How will this get settled? The obvious solution would be for Nike to become UCF's new sugar daddy. But the swoosh already dominates Florida college sports with sponsorships of the Gators, Seminoles and Hurricanes; so far they haven't expressed any interest in a deal with Central Florida. Meanwhile, the UCF administration is in the middle of negotiating an extension with Adidas that was supposed to net $3 million and free athletic apparel for all teams. That deal is now in jeopardy.
Comments