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."
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Back in the 80's when Veny Del Nelgro(coach of the Bulls) played at NCState he wore adidas and the team was out fitted in Nike, what is the differance. He did thsi until he left NCStated
I believe that Central Flordia basically has an Endorsement with Adidas (they get paid to wear and hence promote the brand). Just as MJ has endorsements with Nike. As a player of CF then Marcus is obligated by the existing endorsement with Adidas to wear the freaking shoes. I don't care how much the Nike Endorsement has helped his family become rich. He needs to wear the Adidas as long as the contract is in place. What a baby he is sounding like. I wouldn't dare put myself out there like this with the type of fame his father has.
He's on a team. They have a contract. End of story. His dad should be the one putting a stop to this, but as Jordan has proven time and again, his ego knows no bounds. He's letting his son act like a spoiled jerk.
The athletic director told him he did not have to wear the adidas so call him a jerk. This was brought up during the recuiting process now theres a problem. Dwight needs to stay out of it. Adidas is getting what they want attention. riddle your comments are way out of line and exhibit the mentality of a true jerk