Local and state television stations reported Wednesday night that Nike CEO Phil Knight has halted his personal donations to the University, including a potential $30 million contribution for a future renovation project at Autzen Stadium. At least one University administration official, however, said the news item may be unfounded.
“The best and most direct thing I can say is we have heard absolutely nothing from Mr. Knight,” said Duncan McDonald, vice president of public affairs and development, on Wednesday evening. The administration has “had no conversation with Mr. Knight on this issue.”
The reports stated that Knight is angry because he was not informed before the University signed on April 12 with the Worker Rights Consortium.
McDonald said reporters from Eugene television stations visited him Wednesday , and he was “a little stunned” by the news. The only direct statement from Nike was a one-sentence press release stating, “Phil Knight’s philanthropic activities have traditionally been a private, discretionary matter and don’t always necessarily reflect company business arrangements or college partnerships of Nike, Incorporated.”
McDonald called the release “cryptic at best.” Nike officials could not be reached for comment.
Nike ended a three-year contract with Brown University in early April, saying it had cut ties because Brown signed on with the WRC.
McDonald said administration officials would meet this morning to discuss the Nike issue.
“We are going to try to get to the bottom of this,” McDonald said.