Latest news with #WesRucker
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nike's shocking decision opened the door for Tennessee Volunteers' blockbuster Adidas deal
Nike's shocking decision opened the door for Tennessee Volunteers' blockbuster Adidas deal originally appeared on The Sporting News Nike didn't even try to keep Tennessee. That's the reality behind the Volunteers' upcoming apparel switch from the Swoosh to Adidas' three stripes, according to longtime Tennessee insider Wes Rucker. After 12 years with Nike, Tennessee's contract gave the brand the right to counter any competing offer — and they didn't. 'Nike doesn't value Tennessee. That's not an opinion. It's a fact,' Rucker said. 'We know this because Nike's current contract with Tennessee allows it to counter and match any offer from any brand. Nike didn't table an offer. It knew everything Adidas offered Tennessee, and it never put pen to paper on a counter offer. Maybe it tried. Maybe it didn't. But any and every effort stopped short of a formal counter. Nike — and its iconic, Jordan Brand division — were willing to let the Vols walk. So the Vols walked.' Adidas, meanwhile, is making it clear they view Tennessee as a flagship program. 'Multiple sources for months have insisted to yours truly that Adidas is committed to treating Tennessee the way Nike treats Oregon, or the way Under Armor treats Notre Dame,' Rucker added. Exact figures haven't been released, but reports from ESPN's Chris Low and Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger put the deal at at least $100 million over 10 years — and some industry chatter suggests it could hit $20 million per season. Either figure would put Tennessee at or near the top of the college apparel market. This partnership is also deeply tied to NIL. Athletic director Danny White told Dellenger that player compensation was 'at the forefront' of his mind when negotiating the deal. Adidas is already working on individual NIL agreements for UT athletes this school year, nearly a year before the official start date in July 2026. Tennessee has been aggressive in the NIL space before, adding a 10% fee to football tickets last year to fund athlete compensation. Now they're breaking new ground again, becoming the first major program to directly link a brand deal to widespread NIL payouts. With more than 20 other power-conference schools set to see apparel deals expire in the next two years, Tennessee's move could be a blueprint others follow. For now, the Vols are leaving Nike behind and stepping into a partnership designed to pay off on the field, on the court and in the bank accounts of their athletes.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons rookie in spotlight after back-to-back scuffles as pre-draft red flags resurface
The Atlanta Falcons were enthusiastic about how the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded. However, they made a bold move by trading up for James Pearce Jr., a player with notable character concerns heading into the draft. The decision drew heavy criticism, particularly regarding what the team gave up to acquire him. 'This isn't about the player; it's about the price the Falcons paid to move up for him. Atlanta needed edge rush help and already got some earlier in the round with Jalon Walker. Trading next year's first-round pick to get Pearce felt like a massive overpay,' ESPN's Dan Graziano said. Pearce was a dominant force in college, routinely disrupting opposing offenses. Still, his off-field issues led to a slight draft slide. Former Tennessee Vols writer Wes Rucker called him one of the steals of the draft. 'There aren't 25 players better than James Pearce Jr. in this draft. If he grows up and behaves like a professional, that's a steal of a pick. But he'll have to grow up in Atlanta. So ... we'll see,' Rucker posted. However, after the third day of training camp on Sunday, those character concerns resurfaced. Pearce was involved in two scuffles during practice. 'Rookie James Pearce Jr. was the main character today. He set off two scrums on back-to-back plays — the first going at it with Ryan Neuzil and Matthew Bergeron (who had some words), and the second with Kaleb McGary,' wrote Adnan Ikic of The Falcoholic. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp During media availability, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich commented on the defense's intensity that day — a remark that may have been indirectly aimed at Pearce. 'We're trying to develop a culture. And part of that is the violence. Today, it went a little too far,' Ulbrich said. There's no denying Pearce's immense talent, but as a rookie, he can't afford to get into repeated altercations with teammates. One incident can be brushed off; three separate conflicts raise red flags. Pearce is clearly trying to earn playing time, but there are better ways to prove himself than through on-field fights.
