Air Jordans cost varsity future deal with adidas

By ANTONIO GONZALEZ,

ORLANDO, Florida (AP) A fight over the shoes Michael Jordan's son will wear at the University of Central Florida has cost the school any future sponsorship with adidas.

"The University of Central Florida has chosen not to deliver on their contractual commitment to adidas," adidas spokeswoman Andrea Corso wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "As a result we have chosen not to continue our relationship with them moving forward."

First-year guard Marcus Jordan wore a pair of white Air Jordans during UCF's 84-65 exhibition win against Saint Leo on Wednesday, the Orlando Sentinel reported on its Web site. Jordan has said he will wear only his father's Nike Air Jordan shoes because they hold special meaning to his family.

UCF is in the final year of a five-year contract with adidas that requires coaches and athletes to use the company's apparel and equipment.

"We are disappointed to learn that adidas has chosen to discontinue its relationship with UCF Athletics," the school said in a statement released by spokesman Joe Hornstein. "Once we receive official notice we will be able to further respond."

Updated November 4, 2009