An athlete SHOULD be recognized for his ability and accomplishments and not be be forced to endorse a company he doesn't support. Nick should not be penalized or kept from any event based on his private sponsorship. Brooks is a generous company that wholeheartedly supports runners and its community without pressure on the athlete. Brooks doesn't water down their line which is why their product is ideal for all runners. Nike has spread themselves thin and don't embrace what they are sponsoring other than to only get their name on a jersey in major publicized events. Curse the educated athlete that reads their contract before signing....that is Sooooo frustrating! (sarcasm font)
2
Nick is sticking up for the company that enables him to make this team. And therefore he is sticking up for all athletes who want to aim to make these sorts of teams. Including Nike sponsored athletes. Nike is a great, long time supporter of track and field in the US (and world). But if Brooks sponsored the national team, are we to presume that Nike would sit quietly while their athletes wear Brooks gear to this extent? Which, btw, means to the Nike party that I'll bet (hope) they have at these sorts of events? Again we see the problem with one company "owning" an athletic federation. And again we see the weak and unprofessional behavior of USATF, a federation that I thought was supposed to put athletes first. They deserve (much) better.
2
Atheletes as commercialized live objects mediating money for a company is very American, just like commercialized friendship on Facebook.
If all the decent athletes would boycott just one major international event over this, I would bet USATF would change their tune after winning nothing.
1
Go Nick, you are so right here. The incestuous relationship between Nike and USATF needs to stop. The strong arm tactics even extend to volunteers at USATF events. We are unpaid individuals donating our time because we love the sport. I volunteered for USATF/USADA at Hayward Field for more than 10 years, until the day I was sent home for wearing ASICS shoes. Yes, I was working with the anti-doping agency, not USATF, but that didn't seem to matter. I now only volunteer at NCAA and high school meets, where no one pressures me to wear Nike footwear. At least for now....
3
The USATF joins the IOC, FIFA, the NCAA, and a host of other athletic organizations in reminding us that first and foremost it is about money -- big money -- with athletics a distant second.
3
The letter from USATF could have been written in six words: DON'T $!@& with our money, chump.
1
This is why USA track athletes need a Union. Their Federation can sell them down the river without a concern. The goal is the most money for the Federation not the athletes. In turn, the athletes' interests are not even presented at the table when the Federation negotiates contracts. We are barely beyond the days of amateurism given the prevailing attitudes. Symmonds' gripe is legitimate and his fellow athletes should rally around him. He's fighting for them as much as he is for himself.
2
The USTAF is the true heir to the AAU. If the USTAF spent more time and effort promoting track and field in the US and less time appeasing its sponsor, then perhaps there would be an audience for its sport. Perhaps fans would follow the sport more often than ten days every four years.
Track and field has always been poorly governed and poorly promoted in the US. The USTAF is just the latest company in this sad tradition.
Track and field has always been poorly governed and poorly promoted in the US. The USTAF is just the latest company in this sad tradition.
3
In the repulsive current fad of tattoos, if Symonds were to have "BROOKS" boldly tattooed on his forearms and calves, what would the Nike-bought-and- paid-for USATF say then? Phil Knight doesn't see his swoosh in enough places? If this goes to court, USATF is sure to lose, and they'll deserve it.
What a baby. Let's see, you are rostered for the U.S. Team, you are asked to wear specific clothes while representing the U.S, whichnis really the whole time you're at the meet whether you're running or not, and you are having a snit fit over it? For heaven's grow up, wear the clothes, run like hell and represent your country. Otherwise, get out of the way of someone else who has no problem doing what is asked of them.
Corporations rule just about everything. Sport, in many arenas, is more a marketing strategy than an athletic function. What saddens me is why more athletes don't stand up to corporate rule of their sport instead of bow to the powerful dollars. No doubt, athletes need support for their endeavors, but is such branding the only way to achieve this? These runners are not much more than moving advertisements. And the winner is....Nike!
1
As someone who deeply resents agreeing to God knows what written in impenetrable prose before I can use software, watch a video online, or even see a doctor -- but who finally had to give up on trying to be responsible for what I was signing -- I have tremendous respect for Nick Symmonds's "I can't sign this. It's such a poorly worded document."
2
While I agree with several of the comments, Nick does not want to lose his chance to compete. Nick's consistent world class performance takes exceptional commitment. On the other hand, a governing body should demonstrate balance in dealing with our world class athletes. A public pillorying seems unnecessarily and punitive.
I hope Nick and Team USA find a path of compromise ensuring Nick competes. Take the high road.
George D
I hope Nick and Team USA find a path of compromise ensuring Nick competes. Take the high road.
George D
I believe that renown Nike representative Michael Jordan set the standard at the 92 Olympics when he artfully covered Team USA's official brand name while on the podium to accept his gold medal. Surely, Nike and USATF wouldn't object if Mr. Symmonds followed Mr. Jordan's precedent during "official" team functions.
It's good someone mentions this, but actually Jordan (and Barkley) took a much more extreme position than does Symonds. Symonds never said he wouldn't wear a Nike outfit on the medal podium; that's part of the event. He's objecting to having to wear Nike (or not wear Brooks) when he's on his own time. I'm sure nobody ever expected Jordan to wear a Reebok outfit off the court.
Another reason to ignore the Olympics and hope for the establishment of meaningful events based on merit.
1
I believe Geer misspoke. It reads more like "The only time we limit what athletes can wear is when they are representing Nike."
Apparently 'sponsorship' effectively means 'ownership', much like 'freedom of speech (with my dollars)' means 'ownership of government'.
Ah money.
Apparently 'sponsorship' effectively means 'ownership', much like 'freedom of speech (with my dollars)' means 'ownership of government'.
Ah money.
This is a no brainer. If Symmonds elects to join a team and a competition he must play by their rules. This isn't military service or employment. If it were a political statement or had religious or personnal connotations things might be different. We're talking products and sales figures.
Events like the Olympics and Wimbledon exclude in-stadium advertising, so I don't know how Nike gets away with its Swoosh being on clothing at both of these.
I won't say that it's all about the money for USATF, but it's certainly more about the money than the sport or the athletes. It reminds one of college sports: Athletes being exploited by an organization that profits tremendously from their efforts and pays them nothing.
1
Being completely ignorant of rules about such documents and their intent, I'm not qualified to comment. Nevertheless, I've long been perplexed by all those who wear corporate logos and identification who can not possibly be employees of those businesses.
Is this a sub-conscious admission that we all really are for sale?
Is this a sub-conscious admission that we all really are for sale?
Ever wonder where the money that U.S.A.T.F. receives from sponsors goes? What do they do that costs $20 million a year?
How much gets spent on lavish dinners and first class travel for the "officials"?
Is this just FIFA all over again?
How much gets spent on lavish dinners and first class travel for the "officials"?
Is this just FIFA all over again?
This is what sports has become. Anyone who believes that an athlete can pick and chose what to wear and when to wear it and doesn't understand the meaning of "official functions," when they are going abroad to represent their country, probably has an agenda that is good only for them and they should stay home. This is not the pursuit of a dream by Symmonds. It is the pursuit of money and that is all sports appears to be for him and many others. In this case, though, his performance ability does not seem to warrant his hat size.
1
Mr. Symmonds is to be commended. This is a textbook case of contractual unconscionability. Nike and the USATF are to be ashamed of their oppressive behavior. The take away from this is that we should all be a bit more like Mr. Symmonds in pushing back on conditions that are imposed upon us in situations in which they present themselves as a 'take it or leave it' option. Well done Mr. Symmonds.
1
"“The only time we limit what athletes can wear is when they are representing the United States,” Geer said."
That's disingenuous. Ms Geer knows very well that the athletes get by far the most exposure when competing on the national team. So that's when their sponsors get the most for their investment.
Besides, is U.S. contract law even enforceable in other countries?
That's disingenuous. Ms Geer knows very well that the athletes get by far the most exposure when competing on the national team. So that's when their sponsors get the most for their investment.
Besides, is U.S. contract law even enforceable in other countries?
The federation apparently wants him to wear Nike gear for the world championships from the time he leaves his apartment in Seattle. That is nuts.
Yes, when taking part in federation sponsored meets where what all the other American participants are required t wear. But not when walking to ones car from ones home or to the plane from inside the airport or in a taxi to a hotel and then to a meet.
Yes, when taking part in federation sponsored meets where what all the other American participants are required t wear. But not when walking to ones car from ones home or to the plane from inside the airport or in a taxi to a hotel and then to a meet.
Dueling sponsors...just bloody super!
National team athletes competing in World Cups and The Olympics should be devoid of any and all corporate logos anywhere on their bodies or uniforms. They should be seen as athletes representing the nation, not walking logos barking a corporation.
Pro-athletes should be, officially anyway, donating their time and talents and have an exemption in their endorsement contracts for participation on national teams.
National team athletes competing in World Cups and The Olympics should be devoid of any and all corporate logos anywhere on their bodies or uniforms. They should be seen as athletes representing the nation, not walking logos barking a corporation.
Pro-athletes should be, officially anyway, donating their time and talents and have an exemption in their endorsement contracts for participation on national teams.
Context, since the late '60s, starting the Steve Prefontaine, american runners have been struggling and fighting for the right to make a decent living off of their hard work and talent. They have careers that at most last 8 - 10 years, for many only 3 - 4 years. USATF and its sponsor Nike see them as little more than interchangable parts, fresh, new legs every 4 years to put on the billboard and commercials. Runners are so desparate for places on world and olympic teams, they are loathe to rock the boat. Simply put, they have very little leverage or power in relationship to USATF and Nike. No union, no bargaining rights, no nothing. Symmonds should be commended for taking a brave stand against the USATF, which is a deeply dyfunctional and poorly managed professional sports organization. Welcome to the 21st century, professional running establishment.
2
I suppose he has no qualms about accepting the transportation and housing that Nike's sponsorship pays for. He seems to be acting like a child.
1
The only reasonable solution is that the US olympic committee require a two inch Nike tatoo on every athlete's forehead.
Nick Symmonds, thank you for having the brains and courage to say wait a minute before signing a vaguely worded document. Nike and USA Track&Field say having coffee in the hotel is a team function? Please.
Nike will apply common sense to the knuckleheads at USATF. After all, they were on the other side of the deal a few years back with the Dream Team and a certain Mr Jordan. Nike just wants winners -- no more, no less.
1
Another reminder of the corruption in big-time international sports -- money is in first, second, and third place.
1
Is there anything in this world NOT overwrought with legalities and bureaucracy? How's 'bout we just lay a bag of cash at the finish line and who/whomever gets to it first wins, period!
1
Broad and ambiguous contracts drafted by one side, organization vs. individual, are done that way on purpose to afford maximum authority to the organization. They do not want certainty on paper beyond making clear that they are in charge. It is laziness in part, because inclusionary and exclusionary language could be drafted with a few hours of work. Symmonds is merely asking for what anyone would ask for if a person read what given to her to sign.
1
Perfect example for Track and Fields need for a union. The Federation sells the athletes to the highest bidder with no regard for their personal rights or situation. All Symmonds asks for is an open explanation and conversation of the reach of the Nike contract on the athletes at Championship events. This is a necessary fight and worth expulsion for the competition.
1
Perhaps USTAF and Nike want to look at their propaganda that feature a certain Mr Prefontaine and ask themselves if they could be more explicit and exhibit a bit more restraint in their requests.
Mr Symmonds should not sacrifice what really matters here: the chance to perform on center stage at the world championships. But by this account, he is exhibiting the Pre spirit more so than USATF (the AAU by any other name...) and by extension, Nike.
Mr Symmonds should not sacrifice what really matters here: the chance to perform on center stage at the world championships. But by this account, he is exhibiting the Pre spirit more so than USATF (the AAU by any other name...) and by extension, Nike.
3
Yet another example in a long list of embarrassing USATF decisions. Kudos to Symmonds for speaking up. But since Nike supports the USATF to the tune of $20 million a year, it's easy to see who calls the shots here.
1
"I know the world is only is only a half a mile away" - Billy Joel
Wear the Nike gear son, when your 50 and retired with accomplishments on the wall and a sense of being, it won't matter who you wore, just how fast you ran that half mile.
Good luck in Track's "most dangerous" race.
Wear the Nike gear son, when your 50 and retired with accomplishments on the wall and a sense of being, it won't matter who you wore, just how fast you ran that half mile.
Good luck in Track's "most dangerous" race.
9
Yes - capitulate to your corporate overlords or you won't have that coveted "sense of being" when you are 50. You and your progeny must bow before the immortal Swoosh or face the consequences.
Patronizing comment.
Nick has plenty of accomplishments and a VERY well-defined sense of being. He needs to speak up while the spotlight is on him. Even if he decides to sign, he has made a valid point.
Who pays the piper, calls the tune. Nike has paid the pipers for long time...
3
Yeah, Nike has paid the piper but they sure as hell did not pay the third world kids packed into sweat boxes. Hundreds of dollar for Air Jordans and pennies for shoe makers.
5
I always wondered - how the humankind was able to survive before the sponsors' logos finally became indispensable part of athletes' uniforms? And how sports were able to function?
13
The IAAF World Championships last 9 days and Nick will only officially represent USATF in the stadium 4 times (prelims, semis, finals, award ceremony). Even taking into account time to walk onto the track, waiting for introductions, etc, this cannot total more than a couple of hours.
This leaves 200+ hours that USATF is mandating Nick, and the rest of Team USA, wear either official USATF, Nike, or unbranded gear. How is that fair?
While there may be other events in which athletes are to act as official representatives of USATF (official IAAF press conferences, official USATF team photos and interviews, etc), there are many aspects of the trip in which it is ridiculous to think that an athlete is acting in this capacity so must wear the official gear.
Take for example the part where USATF says that an athlete must wear the official gear "at the athlete hotel, during training". This is ridiculous overreach at best and a violation of first amendment rights at worst. How USATF thinks it can control an athlete's clothing while on their free time (and sleep time!) is beyond me. With regards to training, this would be analogous to requiring a chef to wear certain branded attire while preparing, not just serving, her masterpiece.
USATF should be able to control the presentation of the product when being officially presented (e.g. while racing and, hopefully, hearing the Star Spangled Banner on the podium), but not freedom while producing the product to get the athlete there.
This leaves 200+ hours that USATF is mandating Nick, and the rest of Team USA, wear either official USATF, Nike, or unbranded gear. How is that fair?
While there may be other events in which athletes are to act as official representatives of USATF (official IAAF press conferences, official USATF team photos and interviews, etc), there are many aspects of the trip in which it is ridiculous to think that an athlete is acting in this capacity so must wear the official gear.
Take for example the part where USATF says that an athlete must wear the official gear "at the athlete hotel, during training". This is ridiculous overreach at best and a violation of first amendment rights at worst. How USATF thinks it can control an athlete's clothing while on their free time (and sleep time!) is beyond me. With regards to training, this would be analogous to requiring a chef to wear certain branded attire while preparing, not just serving, her masterpiece.
USATF should be able to control the presentation of the product when being officially presented (e.g. while racing and, hopefully, hearing the Star Spangled Banner on the podium), but not freedom while producing the product to get the athlete there.
58
I am surprised at how bad the comparison between Symmonds and NBA players actually is. First, he has not argued about wearing the team uniform. But also, Stephen Curry and LeBron James draw huge salaries from their teams. Nick Symmonds gets nothing from "Team USA." He has to scramble and fight to get endorsements and then the PR person from USATF makes this ridiculous comparison. Pathetic. They need a better PR person.
85
Nick, hope you prevail. Of course you could wear the Nike gear and color over the logos or even put the Brooks logos on (they probably didn't mention that in the "contract")