Much as it did after earlier controversies involving Tiger Woods and a number of other high-profile figures, Nike has said it will stand by Lance Armstrong in the wake of the damning USADA report.
Whatever you think about Woods, et al., the conduct in question was outside the field of play. What strikes me as different in Armstrong's case is that the conduct went to the heart of his sport. If the sworn testimony of his teammates, the emails and financial records are to be believed, he not only lied under oath but also cheated since before winning his first TdF.
What is the responsibility of UConn and other schools who have deals with Nike to wear its logo?
Nike put up with off-the-field behavior by Woods and Paterno (for whom a Nike building is named) and Kobe Bryant (who was acquitted). It abandonded Vick only with great reluctance, and Vick, unlike Woods, Paterno and Bryant, was actually convicted of a crime. But whatever you may think about them, none of them were accused of betraying their sport. If a sporting goods company like Nike doesn't even care that someone cheats at his or her sport, what does that say about Nike? And if a college or athletic program like UConn's continues to promote Nike, what message does that send to student athletes?
I know that UConn has contractual obligations, and I understand that Nike's money comes in handy. But there are some things that are more important than money, and I'd love to know what the Boneyard thinks Geno, UConn and other schools should do.
Whatever you think about Woods, et al., the conduct in question was outside the field of play. What strikes me as different in Armstrong's case is that the conduct went to the heart of his sport. If the sworn testimony of his teammates, the emails and financial records are to be believed, he not only lied under oath but also cheated since before winning his first TdF.
What is the responsibility of UConn and other schools who have deals with Nike to wear its logo?
Nike put up with off-the-field behavior by Woods and Paterno (for whom a Nike building is named) and Kobe Bryant (who was acquitted). It abandonded Vick only with great reluctance, and Vick, unlike Woods, Paterno and Bryant, was actually convicted of a crime. But whatever you may think about them, none of them were accused of betraying their sport. If a sporting goods company like Nike doesn't even care that someone cheats at his or her sport, what does that say about Nike? And if a college or athletic program like UConn's continues to promote Nike, what message does that send to student athletes?
I know that UConn has contractual obligations, and I understand that Nike's money comes in handy. But there are some things that are more important than money, and I'd love to know what the Boneyard thinks Geno, UConn and other schools should do.
