State Questions James’ Deal With Shoe Company

A proposed contract between Nike and Washington football Coach Don James probably violates state law, the attorney general’s office has advised the school.

Under the proposed four-year contract, James would get $35,000 a year and other financial benefits for using his position to promote Nike products and outfit players in Nike shoes, the Seattle Times reported Wednesday.

Nike agreed to pay James an additional $1,000 if the Huskies win the Pacific 10 Conference and $5,000 if the team finishes first in the USA Today-CNN coaches’ poll, with rewards for lesser finishes.

Mark S. Green, an assistant attorney general, questioned several aspects of the deal, including performance bonuses; economic interest in a firm that would supply shoes to the Huskies; using players and state property--in this case football tickets--for financial gain.

Under the contract, James agreed to give Nike the chance to buy two season tickets and six bowl-game tickets.

James orally agreed to the contract on Feb. 1.

The university’s review was prompted by recent NCAA legislation that requires coaches to submit their contracts to the school president for approval, said Jim Collier, vice president for university relations.

Nike said this was first time such questions have been raised.

“There’s never been any memorable instance where a contract between a coach and Nike was challenged on the basis of state law. And we have a lot of coaches in a lot of states,” said Lindsay Stewart, Nike vice president.