Jordan’s son has adidas issues, UCF in tough spot

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—A fight over the shoes Michael Jordan’s son will wear at the University of Central Florida could cost the school financially.

Freshman guard Marcus Jordan is refusing to wear shoes made by adidas, the brand the university has a contract with for all its sports. He says he will only wear his father’s Nike Air Jordan shoes because they hold special meaning to his family.

The problem is UCF is in the final year of its contract with adidas that requires coaches and athletes to use the company’s apparel and equipment. UCF says its five-year deal with adidas ends June 30, 2010.

There have been media reports that UCF is negotiating a new deal that could be worth up to $3 million and last up to six years.

UCF said in a statement Thursday that adidas was aware of the situation during contract renewal discussions. The university says it was “led to believe that there would be a workable solution to a unique situation.”

Updated Oct 22, 8:53 pm EDT
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487 Comments

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  1. Paco el Guapo
    487. Posted by Paco el Guapo Fri Nov 20 3:54pm EST

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    jordan should be able to wear whatever shoes he wants. F** * adidas and UCF.
  2. Lawrence
    486. Posted by Lawrence Fri Nov 6 8:16am EST

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    this issue is being blown way out of proportion.the school knew what they were getting into when marcus signed up.loyalty is one thing, but this boils down to the name game.true his name got him somewhere.this is a classic example of who you know(or are).this goes on in real life every day.so let it go there are bigger fish to fry in the world.besides how many of us are benifitting from this anyway.let it go and move on.
  3. Chris
    485. Posted by Chris Fri Nov 6 7:55am EST

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    I think that the kid should wear Adidas shoes per the school contract and to be part of the team. And I agree with Mann1. See if the Jordan brand will sponsor the school. If the shoe is quality, then do it. Wait...are we talking about shoes? LoL!
  4. Edwin P
    483. Posted by Edwin P Thu Nov 5 6:26pm EST

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    So he support his Father Brand loyalty and big ups for you Marcus. Most of these readers I guess would say well dad I love but I'm not wearing the shoes that have allowed us to live this wonderful lifestyle. But for three or Four years I'll wear addidas and receive nothing in return for being their walking billboard. Oh my bag a couple sweat suits and a few pair of addidas. For all you haters always remember Family always COME FIRST!!!!!!.
  5. Brilda
    482. Posted by Brilda Wed Oct 28 3:06pm EDT

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    I don't want to know! NO THANK YOU!
  6. Bigg
    481. Posted by Bigg Mon Oct 26 1:01am EDT

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    First I want to say that im a die hard Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan fan. Now with that being said...Marcus Jordan needs to get off his high horse because he's nowhere near as good as his father ever was. This kid should of been able to go to a school with a good basketball program based on his name alone as long as he has somewhat mediocre basketball skills. BUT...Now he's nothing more than a freshman at The University Of Central Florida. Sure, everybody knows your father is Michael Jordan, but who are you Marcus? A Nobody, and you'll never be anybody except Michael Jordan's son. So, if you ask me...just put the freaking shoes on, and enjoy the fact that you actually get to go to a university for free based on your last name. Do you know how many people would love to have that shot? Of course you dont...well Marcus, it's about time you step into the real world...and realize that even though your Michael Jordans on...your father cant even save you from everything. So...with one last word....Marcus, you might as well make the smart decision and just wear the schools shoe before you lose your scholarship to your school and end up flipping fries for a living...how embarassing...Michael Jordan's son working at your local Burger King...Imagine that?
  7. Straight Out The Burbs
    480. Posted by Straight Out The Burbs Sun Oct 25 8:47pm EDT

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    In related news it was found out that RUN DMC was one of University of Central Florida boosters.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrqJrRvng8w
  8. Rob
    478. Posted by Rob Sun Oct 25 6:21pm EDT

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    What a douche, like father like son!
  9. USC
    476. Posted by USC Sun Oct 25 3:12pm EDT

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    Who cares??? He does not even play!!!
  10. WANDA DENISE
    473. Posted by WANDA DENISE Sun Oct 25 12:57pm EDT

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    Gimmiea break! If the kid won't wear the "TEAM" shoes, then he shouldn't be a part of the team! It's called a "TEAM" effort! Not a, "I'm Michael Jordan's son I shall wear whatever I want."
  11. Roy B
    472. Posted by Roy B Sun Oct 25 12:12pm EDT

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    Why is this news. The same little chinese people make the shoes for both companies at slave labor wages here is a novel idea Marcus honor your heritage and refuse to wear shoes that were made by slave labor like the sweatshops in china.
  12. soulman
    471. Posted by soulman Sun Oct 25 11:10am EDT

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    I too was about to call this young man selfish but I need some questions answer.
    Is he on a scholarship? Was this in his contract/agreement with the school? If yes then he has to suck it up, if not choose your brand wisely.
  13. gailA
    470. Posted by gailA Sun Oct 25 6:56am EDT

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    Just like his Dad maybe? Into himself. We see so much selffishness in sports..........just another one here!
  14. mann1
    468. Posted by mann1 Sun Oct 25 6:46am EDT

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    Marcus why dont you tell your dad to sponsor ucf so the hold team could wear jordans.
  15. gary h
    467. Posted by gary h Sun Oct 25 1:50am EDT

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    Marcus needs to be a team player. That is the team fundraiser, he needs to participate in it regardless of who yer daddy is. One thing, how much truth is it in the post that said it was discussed up front with Marcus prior to signing, I find that hard to believe would like to know more.
  16. dalrek c
    466. Posted by dalrek c Sat Oct 24 9:10pm EDT

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    who cares
  17. Malory Riley
    465. Posted by Malory Riley Sat Oct 24 9:00pm EDT

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    what the hell calichibearfrank......the univercitys are making $$$$$off contracts for their kids to wear a shoe .....the players get nothing but an (education) let these kids get caught making money or sign a contract and see what happens......the big colleges make so much money off the sports programs i think the kids need a voice if they are not allowed to CASH IN then stand up and say NO.....go LITTLE M.J.
  18. kandyman
    464. Posted by kandyman Sat Oct 24 7:33pm EDT

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    After reading the last part of the article it appears from a novice standpoint that UCF is acknowledging that the window WAS open based on timing for Marcus or any other player to avoid being obligated to wear Adidas shoes. If this is in fact the case, get off his back. Because you can't hold the economic personal impact the scholarship would have on him if withdrawn or lost is no reason to suggest that he should go along with the masses/system. Too many people have done that for way to long because they had no recourse or were afraid to rock the boat.
    ahl1953@yahoo.com
  19. kandyman
    463. Posted by kandyman Sat Oct 24 7:13pm EDT

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    ...the last poster is like so many making an assumption that Marcus is wrong in his decision which very well may be his right. What makes this country so great is that when we feel our rights are being challenged we have legitimate avenues to heir our positions. When a person beats the system we often get mad at the person instead of changing the system. Go Marcus, You have the courage and means to challenge the system and make an impact for those that are obligated to take the BS that others must be subjected to.
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