Dwight Howard Advises Marcus Jordan on Shoe Controversy

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard didn't exactly toe the Adidas party line, but he did offer a bit of advice Tuesday for young Marcus Jordan -- son of Michael Jordan -- when it comes to his dilemma over which brand of shoe to wear for his freshman season at the nearby University of Central Florida.

Jordan has been caught in the middle of the Nike/Adidas shoe battle that is being waged over his feet.

Because of his father's long-time business tie-in with Nike, Jordan had planned on wearing nothing but Nikes during his college career, much like he has since he started walking.

The University athletic department, though, has a contract worth close to $3 million annually that gives them exclusive rights to provide the shoes and apparel for all intercollegiate athletes and coaches on campus.

UCF athletic director Keith Tribble had given Jordan permission to make an exception and wear Nikes -- much like an exception that previously was made for a football kicker -- believing that Adidas would not object. Yet an Adidas spokesperson told The Orlando Sentinel last week that "there is no compromise, and the contract is currently under review.''

The issue has created a snag now as Adidas and UCF try to negotiate a contract extension. The current contract expires in 2010. Howard said he was aware of the situation.

"If you're going to be on the team, you have to do what the team asks you to do,'' said Howard, who has his own long-term contract to wear the Adidas brand. "That's the only thing I can say about it."