Nick Symmonds at war with USATF again

[gh]

see story on front page regarding wearing of non-Nike gear.

I'm all for protecting the rights of those who spend big bucks to keep the sport going, but this seems like a bit of an overreach, neh?

[Tuariki]

Totally support Symmonds on this.

[gm]

The relevant "contract" can be found on p. 124 here:

http://www.usatf.org/usatf/files/f9/f97eb059-0f57-4c2b-a016-929016c0c25d.pdf

[ATK]

Has that always been the case where athletes had to sign a contract and wear Nike gear all throughout WC/OG? Seems extreme and, as Symmonds stated, probably violates the contracts of most (all?)non-Nike athletes.

[booond]

Has that always been the case where athletes had to sign a contract and wear Nike gear all throughout WC/OG? Seems extreme and, as Symmonds stated, probably violates the contracts of most (all?)non-Nike athletes.

Are there Nike condoms? Will they be checking?

[bobguild76]

Totally support Symmonds on this.

Same here. No problem with Nike gear at the WC. They have poured a lot of money into the sport. But as gh said, this is overreach. What next ... cover up non-Nike tattoos?!

[Atticus]

Follow the money . . . Nike pours a ton of $$$ into USATF, so they can not afford to renege on THAT deal. Nick is small potatoes in this enterprise, so look for him to have to 'soften' his position. Perhaps his goal in this should be 'down the road', but trying to pull this off seems NOW seems imprudent. My heart is with Nick, but my head says retreat and live to fight another day.

[booond]

Is Nick the only Brooks athlete going? I agree somewhat with Atticus but Nick won't back down, Brooks will

[aaronk]

If you read Nick's great memoir--"Life Outside the Oval Office"--and especially about the fights he had with Coach Kendricks at Willamette, then you know this fight is a walk in the park for Symmonds!!

Go get 'em, Tiger!!

[ATK]

Is Nick the only Brooks athlete going? I agree somewhat with Atticus but Nick won't back down, Brooks will

Loxsom is with Brooks and is Nick's training partner.

[jazzcyclist]

Does this contract cover shoes too?

[gm]

It specifically excludes sunglasses, watches and shoes.

[ATK]

It specifically excludes sunglasses, watches and shoes.

True. But it does say underlayer apparel, bandanas, headbands, hats, sweatbands, wristbands, socks, sports bras, travel bags, etc. must be Nike.

Does saying "etc." leave it open for them to regulate other items of their choosing?

[booond]

This sounds like 75% marketing and 25% true outrage. It can't be a surprise, especially to Brooks, that during promotional events that everyone wears the same clothes. They aren't going to allow Symmonds to wear his Run Gum hat or a Brooks t-shirt. I doubt USATF backs down because it would be a horrible precedent but who knows.

[Atticus]

True. But it does say underlayer apparel. . . sports bras . . .

OK, THAT is indeed a bridge too far!