Orlando Player Wants to be Like Mike

Orlando Player Wants to be Like Mike

A member of Orlando's University of Central Florida's basketball team wants to be like Mike, and it could cost the school a cool $3 million. Lots of college basketball players no doubt want to be like Michael Jordan, but in this particular student's case, who could blame him? The basketball player in question is Marcus Jordan, the son of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Of course when he takes to the court as a freshman later this year, he'll be wearing Air Jordan shoes. What else? No biggie, right? Wrong. That's because UCF has a fairly lucrative contract with…adidas. The exclusive six-year contract stipulates that coaches and players use adidas shoes, apparel, and game equipment. An adidas spokesperson said "There is no compromise." This could be unfortunate for the school, because they could be forced to purchase sporting equipment at full price for all 15 sports the school offers. Marcus Jordan has been quick to point out that he means no disrespect to adidas, but Nike has a lot of meaning to his family.

You have to wonder that with all the athletes the school has, how could every one of them be forced to wear adidas? Most athletes have specific requirements for what footwear they use, and one size does not definitely fit all. Marcus Jordan's first pair of shoes was probably Air Jordan, and he's probably worn them in every basketball game he's ever played. Forcing him to wear adidas seems silly, but a contract's a contract. Maybe his dad and Nike can chip in and make up the $3 million shortfall that could come from losing the adidas contract.