Banter: Should Adidas let Jordan wear his father's shoes?

University of Central Florida’s Marcus Jordan, son of legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, said he wants to wear Nike’s Air Jordans on the court this season. Adidas, the official athletic sponsor of UCF, said no compromise has been reached to allow Jordan to wear Nikes. Should Marcus Jordan be allowed to wear his father’s brand of shoes?

Great move by Adidas! Make Marcus wear your shoes, and he will learn to love them. Then once he gradates, he can sign an endorsement with them and get his own shoe line. They can call the shoes ‘Rocket Jordans’. Oh, Adidas, you sly dogs you!
- Ryan Voyles

I think it would be a smart business decision for Adidas to let MJ’s son wear Air Jordans. Marcus may be wearing the kicks of a competitor, but it shows that Adidas is not just some monster corporation with only profit in mind – it makes Adidas look sympathetic. It also makes Adidas look like they are honoring Michael Jordan by making his son an exception. It would be a pretty big boost in the company’s image, I would think. As long as this doesn’t lead to Tracy McGrady’s future offspring wearing T-Macs on the court, I am okay with this.
-Derek Robbins

The accomplishments Michael Jordan has under his belt are legendary enough to warrant special treatment, not only for him, but for any person (or thing for that matter) that has any kind of direct link to him. The school should butt in and tell Adidas to relax because if they’re not careful, I’m sure the name Jordan alone has enough weight behind it to allow Marcus to find another school willing to let him wear whatever shoes tickle his fancy.
-Ray McGillis