Oregon isn’t just a Nike school in terms of athletics. The special relationship the University has had with alumnus and company CEO Phil Knight has benefited both parties, especially the school, which has received about $30 million in donations throughout the last few years. But now the University could be facing the possibility of a retraction of Knight’s more recent pledge of $30 million to aid in the renovation of Autzen Stadium.
The root of the rumored retraction, of course, is based upon broadcast news reports citing anonymous sources who claim Knight was angered at the University’s decision to join the Worker Rights Consortium without joining any other labor practice monitoring group the company found more palatable.
However, the unconfirmed reports have led to an air of uncertainty throughout the campus community and left stadium construction planners in a precarious position of wondering whether their project will indeed commence. As a matter of grace, Knight should speak publicly and clearly on his intentions, whatever those may be.
The proposed expansion of Autzen, estimated around $80 million in total costs to produce about 12,000 extra seats and 32 luxury boxes, would obviously be a boost to the University. The extra funds would boost resources to school athletics and, presumably, trickle into the general University coffers that would lead to higher professorial wages and better facilities.
But with construction to begin in a matter of months, should a major contribution like Knight’s fall through, the sooner that is known, the sooner plans can be altered or scrapped altogether. Though it’s possible, it’s highly unlikely a matching $30 million replacement donation could be found on such short notice.
Not only is the timing particularly bad for any such pledge withdrawal, but it’s a frustration for many not to have any answer at all. Waiting up in the air with no definitive word from Knight is a valid concern about the future relationship between the University and one of its most important alumni. There is little argument from most mainstream observers that Knight’s contributions to the campus through the law school, library and athletics are of considerable benefit to the school. Any sort of answer by the Nike businessman to clear up this entire unfortunate situation would be a
positive move.
While a Knight clarification would be a gentlemanly act, the reporting of the unsubstantiated pledge withdrawal rumor, including the use of anonymous sources, was in poor taste by the state’s broadcast media. Unnamed sources spreading suspect rumors is not only shoddy reporting but puts strains on the ties of very important relationships. Right now Knight and University President Dave Frohnmayer should be talking to each other trying to resolve the situation, not having to worry about the validity of media reports.
Of course, all of the unnamed sources, possible loss of construction at Autzen and possible rift between the University are all just speculation at this point. And that’s the problem. Knight should be gracious and publicly state his intentions so that the campus can start planning its future and get past this ugly incident.