University of Oregon

University of Oregon and Nike

UO track and field coach Bill Bowerman revolutionized the athletic shoe by pouring melted rubber into a waffle iron, creating a prototype rubber sole. Bowerman went on to co-found Nike corporation with UO alumnus Phil Knight. Nike has maintained a close relationship with UO ever since, manufacturing all university logo clothing and uniforms for the football team, including research prototypes for high-tech "smart clothes", such as jerseys with cooling systems.

Related Topics:
Bill Bowerman - Athletic shoe - Rubber - Waffle iron - Prototype - Nike - Phil Knight

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Controversy surrounding Nike's labor practice precipitated protests in 2000 led by a group of students calling themselves The Human Rights Alliance. The protests included a 10 day tent city occupation of the lawns in front of Johnson Hall, the main administration building. Protesting students demanded and initially received independent oversight by the Workers Rights Consortium (WRC) of Nike's overseas factories. The University of Oregon joined the WRC but was quickly admonished by Phil Knight in a scathing letter resulting in the rescindence of a US$30 million dollar contribution to renovate Autzen Stadium, and a pledge for no more future donations should the University continue its membership in the WRC. The University eventually terminated the relationship with the WRC within a year of joining, citing "legal complications." Phil Knight later reinstated the donation and increased the money to over US$50 million dollars.

Related Topics:
Autzen Stadium - Phil Knight

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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002095212_nike19.html

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Further controversy ensued in March 2005 with the resignation of track coach Martin Smith. Smith was ousted by the ?Lame Ducks?, a group of former Oregon track athletes employed at Nike that raises funds to support the Oregon track program, and by Phil Knight who stated that he would quit donating to the track team as long as Smith was coach. The primary point of contention was that Smith did not focus enough on long distance running events which was a traditional strength for Oregon and Nike shoe sales. This occurred despite Smith?s success at re-building the Oregon track program back into national prominence after twenty five years of relative mediocrity. Additionally, former women?s track coach, Sally Harmon sued the university with a US$1.1 million gender discrimination lawsuit which was settled in July 2005. Smith was replaced by former Stanford coach Vin Lananna in July 2005.

Related Topics:
March - 2005 - Nike - Sally Harmon - July

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