THE BIG KIDS’ FILE: MARCUS JORDAN KEEPS HIS SHOES; UCF LOSES $3 MILLION
Central Florida freshman basketball player Marcus Jordan,18, has caused the University of Central Florida to lose a $3 million dollar deal with Adidas after he insisted on only wearing Nike shoes. Julie from the Clevelandleader tells it best:
Adidas terminated its $3 million endorsement contract with the University of Central Florida’s athletic department after one of Michael Jordan’s sons played in a game for the school wearing the Nike shoes named after his father. Marcus Jordan, a freshman guard at UCF, said he would only wear Nike Air Jordan shoes in deference to his father. Everyone on the team except Marcus, 18, wore Adidas shoes in the UCF Knights’ 84-65 win over St. Leo University in an exhibition game….
Marcus maintains that UCF promised that he could wear his famous father’s Nike shoes when they were recruiting him to the school.
BCK Says: What do you think? Is Marcus being a “brat” or does he have every right to wear whatever shoe he chooses to wear?
54 Comments to “THE BIG KIDS’ FILE: MARCUS JORDAN KEEPS HIS SHOES; UCF LOSES $3 MILLION”
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he’s being a brat. he learned from the best. how dare you cost 3 million in $ to your athletic department? there are other poeple who could have benefited from this besides this brat. is he going to put up the money? he needs to think about the other people on the team and the school that could have used this money to help their programs. selfish!! watch him be a bomb in college and the hype wont even be worth the $ they spent recruiting him. he needs to grow up
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That’s not being a team player !!! Life is full of doing things you don’t want to do!!!!
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I think it’s great that he wants to recognize his father, but he did choose to participate on a team. He should be a better team player than that. I would be upset if I were depending on him as a teammate. He can wear whatever he was off-court.
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I agree Angela!!!!
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That problem would be that you shouldn’t be depending on him if you are a member of the team. You should depend on yourself and all the other members of the team as well. I applaud him. He asked and he was permitted to wear the shoes. Money isn’t everything.
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Money is everything if it is funding the athletic department. You don’t see Nike trying to cut a contract with the school. He knew all of this when he was being scouted. This isn’t something that is new for him.
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There’s no I in TEAM! lol
I do understand where he is coming from. Its not everyday that ur father or anyone u know has their own shoes. If he was promised he could wear them then they should have kept their promise…HOWEVER he is on a team and what one player does affects the whole team. He should have been a team player and talked about it later. Let them get their money then put on the shoes you want. LOL
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He’s NOT being a brat. Before Marcus made his decision he asked if it was okay for him to wear his father’s sneakers on the court. UCF said that was perfectly okay with them. That was part of the reason he chose them. The institution should have been honest with him from the beginning and they would still have their contract.
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Amen! There are things more important than money. The school has chosen to have him play for them than have the money. I like this kid. Bravo!
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Everyone wants to point fingers at Marcus but it was the school that allowed him to play knowing that he was wearing the WRONG shoes. Why did the school allow this? They knew what the contract stated they know they were taking a chance by allowing him to wear the WRONG shoes. The coach should have told him to suit up in the correct uniform or sit on the bench.
There seem to be a few holes in this story
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Latifah, the real deal is, these college coaches, are simply whores, they told him that, so that he would come there> Look at all of the publicity they are receiving because of him coming to school there. No, Marcus is not his Dad, at least not now, but he brings the name, and the status, and a weak BBall program like UCF needs a boost. so you guys think that a 3 million contract is a big deal to Michael Jordan or NIKE..come on SON!
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if they promised him that he could remain wearing the nikes i say they need to keep their promise. WHAT son you know that father is rich and famous is going to just drop his father’s line and go with someone esle. NO deal. They knew he wouldnt give those shoes up before they recruited him. So their lost.
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this MINOR kink (major really) should have been worked out before he signed on with the team. 3million maybe nothing to him, but what about the athletic dept as a whole? when they discussed his recruitment….shoes should have came up in the conversation. someone should have said no thanks, this will not work. either him or the school. ridiculous.
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I think he’s being a brat and very selfish. Sometimes you have a RIGHT to do something, but it’s not always the right thing to do. He should’ve acquiesced for the sake of the school/team. This is not a good look. He has plenty of time to support daddy. Like someone else said, he learned from the best, so…
I cosign w/everyone up top. This is NOT a good look.
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In a desperate effort to recruit Michael Jordan’s son, I’m UCF promised him just that — A promise is a promise… they shouldn’t have promised him that. Is he being a brat, No.
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yeah I feel like he should have taken one for the team and wore the Adidas.
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I believe there is something going on that we are not being told. Withdrawing $3 million over a shoe? Everyone else wore Adidas. Something’s not adding up. They could have withdrew half as everyone else wore Adidas. How can one person, a person who has yet to truly make a name for himself like his father has, have this much of an impact? Something just doesn’t add up to me.
It’s possible Marcus may have wanted to wear Adidas, but was advised not to. But, he is on a Team & his father should have understood.
I still think something’s missing in all this.
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Well the school obviously feels that the player is more important than the 3 million for the shoe. If this holds, he’ll bring them more than 3 million. I like what he did. I know it as “integrity” and I admire it. He would be silly if he had the best to teach him and did not learn.
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What about Nike do a contract with the school, wearing Jordon’s,because you know they want to.
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His Daddy needs to sponsor the team then if that’s the case. Have everybody wear Air Jordan and reimburse the school’s 3 million dollar contract. It’s not like Nike/Jordan can’t afford it.
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He’s not being a brat, he’s being loyal. NIKE has put food on his table his whole life. Mike’s endorsements far outweigh what he made as just a basketball player. The life he has, the car he drives, etc, has all been funded by NIKE
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Like Father, Like Son. This is not NEWS. I’m so tired of the Spoiled, Disrespectful, Rich, Inconsiderate, Ungrateful Children of Celebrities.
Your Father has a contract with NIKE, not you. If your Father wants you to wear NIKE, than get a NIKE contract for the entire TEAM!
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Hey, he didn’t get there because he is Mike Jordon’s son, he go there because he can play. I don’t see why you guys are having such a hard time with this young man doing like the school told him he could do. From my understanding, there were other schools that he could have chosen. He’s not a poor boy who has to suck it up and forsake his wishes. He earned the right. Get over it. you should be pleased that he can already stand up for himself. You guys are weird. As for Rich and spoiled…..why should you act poor and beg when you are not only rich and spoiled; BUT GIFTED. Carry on young Jordan. Some people been down so long, getting up doesn’t even cross your mind. LOL
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Yes, the school is wrong if they made him a promise they couldnt keep. But, being a good player, is letting bygones be bygones and doing the best thing for your team.
But what’s worse? Not being able to wear your stinking Dad’s shoes or having your entire sports department lose money? Money that could have paid for uniforms, equipment and scholarships?
His career wouldnt have ended because of what shoes he wore. This young man is selfish, bratty and most likely grew up feeling entitled because of whom his Father was. I guarantee you, if it was any other player, not Michael Jordan’s son, he would have been kicked off of the team pronto.
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Serafina, you are wrong with the name calling> First of all, there is only One Michael Jordan, and he has only 3 children, so the decision to go to UCF was big one, I’m sure. The school has probably told him YES, to get him to come there, look @ all the Pub they are receiving. Lay off the kid, becausue as it relates to basketball, because of who is Dad is, he is special, and different! Nike will help the school out, the real problem is, who is helping out the Math, and Sociology departments? Nobody, we put way to much emphasis on the athletic departments, and forget about the academic departments!
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I agree with Sherley, no that doesn’t make sense. Seriously I think Addidas is being the brat. This is just like the case a few years ago when a player didn’t want to participate in the team prayer before the game. You have a right to stand up for your beliefs and UCF is by any means not the best school in Florida. There should have been a compromise somewhere and apparently communication broke down. I think Marcus needs to re-evaluate his choices, because you don’t want a sour reputation so early in your career. Question: Where was this $3million going to and did it benefit all in the athletic dept? Did the track, rugby, soccer, golf, football, and lacrosse teams also have to wear addidas shoes during competition? I want to know how one rebellious athlete (and there are dozens upon dozens in college sports) really “cause” withdrawal of a $3million agreement?
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I don’t think he’s being a brat, if when he was recruited they told him he could wear Jordan’s. Otherwise if he was never told that than yes he was being a brat. But if that was a topic of discussion prior to him joining the roster than he has every right to stick to his preferred shoe. If the school couldn’t stick to the agreement they should not have commited to it.
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Marcus is not being a brat. Before he went to the school he asked them and they said it was ok. Im pretty sure if they told him no he might went with a different school. The bigger picture is what whould it have looked like if he did wear adidas. Think about it from a business stand point. Nike shoes and Jordans make good money every year. Adidas does pretty well too. Think about it. If he would have worn them next thing you would see is ads talking about even Jordan’s son doesn’t wear Jordans he wears Adidas. It’s not like he didnt wear the uniform which also was adidas. In a time where everything people do is critize and placed under a microscope. Where something so innocent is a companys excuse to withhold $3 million dollars. Hmm sounds suspect. I can see if the school had to pay a fine for the breach again it’s not like he came in full jordan gear from head to toe. I wonder if it was another kid and it was his deceased father or sick father’s shoes and the boy wanted to wear thm out of honor or respect would they have pulled the contacted. What is it was some unknown company the kid wore would they have pulled it then. I feel they pulled it because they were Jordans. I understand why the school stood by him. He asked them in advance and they said yes. Yes it may have cost them $3 million dollars but Im pretty sure with the right lawyer and a closer look at the contract they would still be entitled to a decent portion. Yes it would also be a great and smart business move on Nike to pick up the school. Great way to advertise. When your show lets you down . . . Nike picks you up. Just do it.
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Joy girl you’d better tell it! It’s DEFINITELY only because he’s a Jordan. Adidas tried to be slick….EPIC FAIL…. hahahahaha…
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Michael Jordan is a brat so why would his kids be any different? Expect a Nike endorsement soon. (sigh)
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School gotta eat this one…these recruiters a lot of times promise these kids things just to hook em then later when these deals get made public colleges end up forfeiting games,entire seasons and have subsequent recruiting restrictions. I think the young man was dead right in his request. Imagine the fallout if Michael Jordan’s son wore anything other than NIKE. Would’nt be a good look.
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Michael Jordan’s son is being a brat. There is a double standard. If it was a poor boy’s father who created his own tennis shoes and wanted to wear them instead of wearing Adidas, then he would have being cut from the team immediately. Is his son the best college freshman basketball player in the country? If not, then the school is showing favoritism to MJ’s son.
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He already looks much older than 18 years old.
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Side note: From what I understand, the boy can’t even play ball that great. I didn’t say that, I’ve heard it from people surrounding him so don’t shot the messenger.
I STILL think he’s being a brat.
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My son told me his game is not that tight. If the school said it is okay they should have kept their word.
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i think marcus has every reason to wear what ever he wants to wear. he’s not being a brat i’d do the same thing… i don’t even have a pair of adidas! and ….. he asked the school before they even recruited him if he could wear his nike and they told him YES!!! so get outta here with all that team plater stuff!!!
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I don’t blame him for keeping his nikes on. His dad has his own shoes & I’m pretty sure Mike can help them out with a deal for their b ball shoes.
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Marcus Jordan doesn’t look much like his dad and sure as hell doesn’t play like him and wearing Jordans won’t help! Instead of being a little brat he should go work on his sorry jump shot. You can only get by on your father for so long, if he takes basketball serious he’d be about the team. And I think the team should have let him go. But arrogance probably runs in that family.
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That’s your opinion and obviously the school doesn’t agree with you. My understanding from way back was that he had a choice of schools to attend. He’s not being a brat, he’s using his options. He came with entitlement and that’s why they were out to recruit him. I’m glad to see a young Black man who can call his options for a change rather than just have to sell out his soul for what the school wants. I love it. Wish there were more of our young athletes who could do that. What’s the use to having the clout if you are going to act like a beggar, selling out all that you believe for a chance to play to improve your status in life? He’s the product and they are the consumer. I love it. Bravo young J.
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If all of you nay sayers read other sources, you would know that some Addidas officials working on this colleges account okayed for him to wear the Jordans. But recently some big wigs in the company decided to change their tune. So he was NOT being a brat. The school okayed and so did Addidas at the time of recruitment. And the ENTIRE athletic dept was benefiting from this contract. He was standing his ground and if the college was smart they’d sue Addidas for the money anyway.
I think the whole reason Addidas is acting all stank now is because they know for a fact that Nike makes better athletic shoes than they ever will and that Marcus is a walking endorsement for every new Jordan sneaker. On another note I’m sure they’re are a few account reps on leave or jobless because of trying to please MJ’s son and not telling the truth and getting everything cleared properly. If they had told him the truth he would’ve either accepted it or moved on to a different college and probably one with a Nike contract.
As a former athlete, I know Nike makes better shoes so Nike/Jordan just give them the contract!
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I agree @ tynkrbel. Nike has dominated the sneaker market since Joran signed the contract with Nike. Jordan caused Nike to lose millions of dollars because the first Air Jordan didn’t have enough white in the sneaker so the NBA fined Jordan and Nike paid the fines. Jordan didn’t even want to wear the sneaker because he thought they were devil colors.
Obviously wearing Adidas was a concern of Marcus when the school was recruiting him. UCF probably thought that if they sign Marcus they can change his mind and Adidas will cut them a fat check. I bet if another player wanted to wear Nikes Adidas wouldn’t have a problem with it.
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He is not being a brat he is being a smart young man, most endorsement deals also include your family, He has to wear Nike shoes that is why he asked,If you are not familiar with contract law him wearing those addidas could cost his dad 150 million plus the school recruited him under the guise that he could wear the shoes, they are quite aware of how endorsements work, which they lost theirs.
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I dont think he is being a brat at all, He is Michael JORDAN’ son. Who im sure has to wear Jordans for the rest of his life. Marcus made sure to ask he could wear his sneakers, and the school promised he could. Dont you think UCF thought about losing a $3 million doller deal before recruting Marcus. Im sure a new ednorsement is already underway.
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He is being a brat. The school/team benefitted from that endorsement and now they have lost it. He has plenty of hours in the day to support his father’s brand. How about supporting your school and your team. I hope Nike picks up the endorsement.
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Actually he’s not that great a player. I feel for the other players who don’t have the benefit of a rich father to pay their college expenses and will undoubtly lose out because of his selfishness.
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Well obviously the school doesn’t agree with you and I haven’t heard any grumbles from the others on the team. Why are all of you so upset?
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he’s more than a B-R-A-T, GROW UP…WHINING>>> THEY PROMISE…theypromise i could, so things changes surprise!!.. in the real world that’s life..so it was worth the atheltic dept. lose their deal..wow just for your dad..
TO BE FAIR.. I’M WATING FOR A RESPONSE FROM MAR’SUCKS..MY BAD BCK…. mar’cus..i apologize…some deep spritual reason like i heard avoice callin my name name “do it do it” or only because of mike i can, or may be ineed to prove to my dad i really love him… but any whos still absoutley 100% wth salt selfish… so mar’s—–
what’re the othr kids to do, like the kids on financial aide??? selfish 18y.o. brat yo daddy should pull from his pocket u think!!??
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Stop being a hater and a showing your class envy. Contrary to popular beliefs, all Blacks don’t have to beg. I don’t believe I have heard any whines from the players on financial aide. They probably applaude his stand and can’t wait for the day when they, too, can be that independent and call their own shots. Only a bunch of jealous folk who can’t stand the fact that a young brother doesn’t need to beg or compromise, are doing all the whining.
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@Khrish.O’K..LET ME GO REAL S-L-O-W BECAUSE APPARENTLY YOUR COMPREHENSION ISN’T UP TO PAR.. #1 BCK ASK A QUESTION AND I ANSWERED, HATE, BASE AN THE STORY CONTENT{DID YOU READ THE STORY ABOVE}I DIDN’T THINK SO.. #2 WHO MENTION RACE?:(YOUR WORDS NOT MINE}.. all Blacks don’t have to beg. SHOWING YOUR TRUE STEROTYPE COLORS,#3 INDEPENDENT? NOT! THIS IS A TEAM EFFORT, NOT MAR’SUCKS AS ME MYSELF AND I TEAM.. #4 BEG? MANY WELL “KNOWN” FOLKS WENT TO COLLEGE AN FINANCIAL AIDE..#5 COMPRISE? FOR THE WELLBEING OF A TEAM EFFORT?(YEAH YOU MAKE SENSE..LOL)..O’K IN YOUR WORLD THAT DEFINES JEALOUSY??? PLEASE USE YOUR DIC’TIONARY NEXT TIME FOR ALL FIVE WORDS..” A MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE” PEACE OUT
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XAMAICA, yes I did read the article and I also read that BCK wanted to know what each of us thought.
I have responded to comments that were made here as to J. being a spoiled brat. Why are so many bent out of shape because he has the clout to do what he advised the school he would like to do and what the school agreed to? I mean, many act as if he has done a disservice to a school that does not, obviously, hold the same view as you. I certainly don’t see this kid as being a brat. It all sounds like “class envy”from many bloggers. The article told you That was one of his request when being wooed by the universities. The kid had a myrid of universities wooing him and I have been reading about his ball skills while he was in high school. I just don’t understand why so many are willing to put him down and have more of a problem with the decision than the school and the players? I have fully understood the article as well as the conversations going on here and I simply don’t agree with those who insist on labeling this young man as a rich spoiled brat. It’s just wrong. To say that he is the son of Michael Jordon is to denote, in itself, that he is a young man of color, which caused me to wonder if that was a problem with some. I’m proud that the kid feels he owes his first allegence to his father. How cool is that! They saw the shoes on his feet before he ever went on the floor, no one objected, no one in charge, that is;which means to me that it was okayed, right? so why are so many here bent out of shape about it. He’s a young man of entitlement, get over it. I’m sorry that I angered you with my response but that’s the way I FEEL, OK!
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So why are you wasting yours on name calling and disrepect for young Jordan’s decision.
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THEIR YOU GO AGAIN WITH YOUR COMPREHENSION??(YOUR OWN WORDS)>>>
because he has the clout to do what he advised the school he would like to do ….??
SELFISH..OTHERS ARE INVOLVE,BUT THEY CANT\MOST LIKELY DONT HAVE CLOUT.
“class envy”??!!….SLAVE MENTALITY..THIS IS 2009
To say that he is the son of Michael Jordon is to denote, in itself
is a young man of color, ..!!!??
DENOTE MEANS TO INDICATE…SO WE’RE INDICATING HE’S BLACK OR MJ’S SON.. I’M DONE, CLEARLY ITS SUFFICE TO SAY Y-O-U DINT READ THE ARTICLE AND YOUR COMPREHENSION IS WACK?!!….AGAIN A MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE!
O AND ANGRY? NO I’M NOT..LOL..PEACE OUT..
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Darling, whatever!
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I think its kewl he gets 2 wear his own shoe.If they agreed while scouting him that he could wear the sneakers,then y try and change now.Sorry 4 the loss but they already agreed to it!Go Jordan!!!
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