Most sons feel pressure to fill the shoes their father has given them. Marcus Jordan’s situation however is a little different. His father is the legendary Michael Jordan, basketballs most revered player.
Marcus is not the first offspring of a legend to follow in his fathers footsteps and pursue the sport once dominated by his father. The manning brothers are a famous and successful example of how it can be done. But Marcus’ situation is way more complicated.
Michael’s legacy is an empire, he is a brand. That brand makes shoes, iconic shoes that every kid in
Marcus is a Division 1 talent. His game however is not to the level his name would indicate. He was destined to go to a Mid-Major school. Enter the
The recruitment of Marcus was special to say the least. There are several draw backs to recruiting someone with such a powerful name. A head coach would have to be confident that he could balance the talent level of the roster with the influence of the father. And in the case of Marcus, a head coach would have to make sure that his contractual obligations to his school's corporate sponsor could be fulfilled.
UCF contacted their corporate liaison with Adidas and explained the situation. The regional executive seeing the logic behind Marcus’ reasoning for wearing a particular shoe came to an agreement that the Freshman baller could wear his fathers brand as long as he wore all the rest of the Adidas gear that is provided to the team.
Marcus and Jumpman himself agreed to these terms and Marcus enrolled at UCF.
Apparently UCF did not take their request to the right person at Adidas. When top level executives heard of this arrangement they quickly over ruled the decision and warned that if Marcus wears his own shoes, the school would be in violation of their contract and sponsorship would be pulled.
Today UCF will open their season and Marcus Jordan informed the world that he will wear
Adidas looks ignorant, I understand corporate law is on their side. I understand that Jumpman is a major competitor for Adidas. I understand that Michael himself has probably burned Adidas in the past.
I understand all of that, but does Adidas understand public image? Eggs are great to eat but one should always avoid wearing them. Is this just vengence directed at a legal system over Reggie Bush's gold shoes?
Michael has made his fortune and legacy by destroying those who have challenged him. This affront to his icon will be a motivator for him to get Jumpman into the NCAA, and the first school could quite possibly be UCF.
That being said until the contract dissolution is resolved any apparel company that contacts UCF could face a hefty law suit for tampering.
- Kurt Valentine
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