Kansas basketball: Adidas partnership not worth the dirt
By Stan Unruh
The Adidas bribery scandal is not going away. The Kansas basketball program continues to get dirty from their affiliation with the shoe company.
On the evening of the Kansas basketball annual banquet, the Jayhawks made headlines for something other than awards. A new indictment names Kansas and three other schools in the never-ending college bribery scandal. The indictment claims a former Adidas executive allegedly paid the parents or guardians of players to play basketball for Bill Self.
As a matter of fact, we’ve heard for months that more on this scandal was coming. The nasty news is difficult to read but not a surprise. Dan Wetzel with Yahoo Sports detailed the indictment and the fact that Kansas basketball program is a ‘victim’ in this sordid mess.
The fact that the indictment mentions Kansas is beyond disgusting. On the other hand, the indictment says the alleged payments were hidden from the NCAA and KU. That might makes Jayhawk fans feel better. But not much. The University’s statement helped.
"The indictment does not suggest any wrongdoing by the university, its coaches or its staff."
It’s no secret that this activity has been a large part of all college sports. The Adidas executive mentioned in this indictment is just one of many probably involved in this sinister behavior. That doesn’t change the damage to the reputation of Kansas basketball.
Next: Kansas basketball: Not those Wildcats again
The partnership with Adidas is financially important to the University of Kansas. At $191 Million, the 14-year deal signed in September is one of the most lucrative agreements among Division one schools. That is a lot money. On the other hand, is the dirt from the negative publicity worth the money? That is a question someone must consider. It will be interesting to see how Kansas Athletic Director Dr. Sheahon Zenger handles this.