BY LEXI LOBDELL ’20
Over the past few weeks, scandals involving the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Adidas brand have erupted. Federal investigators are investigating many division one NCAA schools for alleged briberies. Mount Holyoke athletics is partnered with Champion’s Choice and is supplied Adidas apparel.
According to an article published in the New York Times, “N.C.A.A. Coaches, Adidas Executive Face Charges; Pitino’s Program Implicated,” an Adidas representative promised a high school basketball star’s family $100,000 for committing to a specific school and signing with the brand. In another case, as reported by Sports Illustrated, Rick Pitino, head coach of men’s basketball at the University of Louisville, had his tenure revoked over his role in giving Adidas-sponsored money to prospective high school students.
These recent scandals raise questions about Mount Holyoke College’s partnership with Champion’s Choice. While Champion’s Choice does carry other brands — Augusta Sportswear, Badger Sport, Charles River Apparel, Champion, Holloway, Pacific Headwear, Rawlings, SanMar and Wilson — most of the clothing they supply is Adidas.
According to theirwebsite, “Adidas is the brand of choice for major college programs like University of Michigan, Tennessee, UCLA, Louisville, Nebraska, Texas A&M and Indiana. Champion’s Choice will make it easy for you to get the Adidas product you want presorted, packaged and delivered to your equipment room.”
The News has reached out to the Athletic Department for comment and has yet to hear back.
Graphic by Carrie Clowers '18