AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USApples, oranges and a big payoff
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Going to go a different direction today, but I may check back in with some standard fare later. Reward for the diligent at the end of this blog.
First, regarding the Russell Athletic sponsorship story:
It was trimmed to fit the paper, and some interesting material didn’t make the cut.
Surely, some will wonder why there is such a great disparity between, say, UConn’s new 10-year, $46 million deal with Nike (and Washington just did a 10-year, $39 million deal with Nike, although that was not in the story) and Tech’s 10-year, $20 million-plus package.
The simplest explanation: Nike’s deals with those schools include footwear, which they make and Russell does not, and there is BIG money in shoes, obviously. Secondly, UConn has 24 varsity sports to Tech’s 15, which means that much more exposure. Mostly, it’s gotta be the shoes.
There is a stipulation in the Russell contract with Tech that says if Russell develops or acquires athletic footwear, Tech must give due consideration to using the product. With Warren Buffett at the controls of Russell now, so to speak, you’d think there is a real possibility that Russell will branch out into footwear in the next 10 years. That guy goes for broke in everything.
Also interesting: Tech is the only school with which Russell has an all-sports contract. They do football and a couple other sports with Mississippi State, and I think they do a sport with Clemson, etc. But Tech is the only all-in school.
More edits:
Nike recently did deals with UNLV worth about $3 million. Why the relatively low number? The package include two five-year deals and a three-year deal for just mens and womens basketball and football.
The only cash in the Nike-UNLV is $75,000 per year that Nike will pay the school specifically to defray basketball coach Lon Kruger’s $5.2 million salary, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Get a load of that salary!!!!!
This made the story, but for sake of comparison here it is again:
According to a copy of the contract obtained by The Journal-Constitution, Tech’s deal will net (as a non-profit organization, the Georgia Tech Athletic Association in tax-exempt) $750,000 in cash per year from Russell for each of the next four years, increasing to $950,000 for each of the final two.
Finally, if you haven’t seen it (and I’m sure some of you have), go to Youtube and put “UGA” and “Hitler” in the search field. You will not be disappointed. I don’t think.
Later.
Matt
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Desbaratto
August 20, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
HA HA HA - nice parting shot Matt….
By StingerSplash
August 20, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Is that a version of the video with the subtitles for the Dallas Cowboys? It also borders a little on NSFW, if it’s the same one. And Lon Kruger is making $5.2M a year? That’s enough to make someone forget all about ever coaching the Hawks.
By jabster
August 20, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Now, if Russell would learn that the color is OLD GOLD, not Dijonnaise…with Tech guys at the helm they should know better than that.
Russell also needs to enter the 21st century and come up with performance undergarments to compete with Under Armour…
Speaking of shoes, I wonder if Russell would be interested in buying New Balance…
By Jason
August 20, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
That video on you tube is the funniest thing I’ve seen in ages.
By Obnoxious Georgia Fan
August 20, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Yeah, nice parting shot Matt. You really stuck it to us. This is certainly the first time in the history of college football that the preseason #1 team has been the target of a insanely jealous rival fan base. I would have never saw something like this coming from anyone associated with Tech football. They are usually so respectful of Georgia’s success and gracious in defeat. I simply cannot believe my eyes. rolls eyes
By the way, go to youtube and type in “UGA”, “Georgia Tech”, and “football” and tell me what you find. The last time Tech beat Georgia YouTube didn’t even exist. That should give you a hint.
By Ramblin Wrecker
August 20, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Where are the navy jersey’s? I remember seeing a photo of one from an Adamm Oliver website. I thought it looked quite sharp and hoped it would be the one used primarily.
Also what do the helmets look like? We’ve seen the jersey and pants modeled, but not one peek at the helmet. I hope it is the white one, similar to the throwback helmet they used against UVA a couple years ago when Calvin torched them.
And since Paul Johnson has expressed that GT will return to the tradition of wearing white jerseys for home games, doesn’t that just about rule out the gold jersey (or a blue one) as almost obsolete? Since most teams use their colored jersey for home games, that would mean GT would wear white at home AND away, unless they run into a team that wears white at home too. I’m trying to think of one, but I’m pretty sure that GT doesn’t play anyone with that practice.
By Chio
August 20, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
GT and LSU are the only FBS schools to waer white as a home color. As I recall several years ago the NCAA had a rule that the home team had to wear a dark colr. LSU changed to purple at home during that period. I think it was LSU that lobbied to be allowed to wear white at home. However, there was a provision that the visiting team could request t wear white as the visiting team. I remember Wake doing this during the O’Leary days. so mucxh for trivia.
Now if the bees will only wear gold tops and gold bottoms, they will be the return of the “Golden Tornedo”!!
Now there’s some trivia for you!
By Chris
August 20, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
I think the white tops with white pants would look pretty cool. I like the new colors and think they will look great for night games. Remember how the throwback old gold looked at night!
By dkg
August 20, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Also, check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piNsYnvSGMk
GSU versus UGA 2004 whereby Johnson’s GSU team ran up more yards on UGA than any other team in 2004.
By yellowblood
August 20, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
The Russell seems puny to me. Surely our deal is worth more than a fraction of the deal other school have with Nike. Another thing object to is the Russell signs at Tickle Piles. I don’t think our long held traditions should be subjected to commercial influence and most participating aren’t wearing athletic gear.
By Boz
August 20, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Obnoxious UGAy Fan,
That youtube bit was a hoot - pulled your chain, huh? I researched TECH, UGAy, and football. TECH won the national championship 18 years ago… UGAy 28 years ago. BTW, said article went on to say that most TECH men went on to become successful businessmen and leaders in their community.
Boz
By Hmmm
August 20, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Use a little logic, one of the main reasons the Russell deal for Tech is lower than the deals that other schools reach is that the market for Tech paraphenalia is limited, small fan base, small alumni, no national following to speak of. Money makes these deals go round and the sales of Tech merchandise outside of the immediate area is almost non existent, also the weird color doesn’t help. If Tech becomes something other than an after thought on the national sports scene sometime in the next few years it will be able to negotiate a much more lucrative deal. As it stands now, Tech probably came out better than they expected.
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 20, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
dkg,
Paul Johnson was no longer head coach at GSU in 2004. He was at Navy.
By Brewer for President
August 20, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Obnoxious Georgia Fan Sorry to disappoint you, but I think that youtube video was the work of a Gator fan, not a Tech fan. And Gator fans have no reason to have harsh feeling towards UGA, it’s not like CMR had his team dance on the field during last years GA-FL game or anything…
By Old GT Nut
August 20, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
When the season ends, Tech will really be a Wreck,..and UGA will have injuries and lose at least three games in a tough SEC. Now as far as that NAMBLA Wrambler rally next week, count me, I-DOG, Ramble On., Matt W, Chris and Jason in. The more members at Morris Hall for the Rally the better. Hee Haw.
By AlabamaRamblinwreck
August 20, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
The uniforms are mustard color, but if CPJ likes it, I can live with it.
Does anyone know what the helmet will look like?
I think Russell is a good company, and now that it is being led by one of the most successful business tycoons ever, it will be back on the way up. Russell can compete with UA, Nike and Adidas, but they must make the commitment.
In the meantime, GO JACKETS!!
By Peaches
August 20, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Hmmmm,
“UConn’s new 10-year, $46 million” “Washington just did a 10-year, $39 million deal”
It has nothing to do with our limited national following. UConn and Washington have no more of a “national” following than we do. It is Nike vs Russel, as well as the other comments in the original article.
By Brewer for President
August 20, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Matt, I have a request. Can the AJC start blocking posts made from mental institutions???
By Freddie Blassie
August 20, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Now I heard that the Russell contract with tech called for Russell to provide all uniforms for tech teams and pay tech $20M a year as long as tech took a black majic marker and blacked out the Russell logo prior to taking the field, court, diamond, etc.
Russell is trying to ensure its name is not associated with tech athletics and tech blackmailed them into the $20M payment to make that happen.
I also like the all white tech football uniform. I thought it looked especially good in the Silicon Valley Bowl when it was caked in mud and tech players looked miserable like they did not want to be there as Fresno State ran over them, under them, and through them. It was priceless.
So the all white uniforms will bring back great memories for many of us. Might I suggest that you paint a yellow stripe down the back of the jersey to give it more of a tech look though?
By White and Gold Kills Red and Black
August 20, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Why are people so damn fickle about the uniforms, THEY’RE FREAKING UNIFORMS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don’t like the color, wear a color you like. Let’s stop quibbling and come together and support our team, and you can bet I’ll be out there screaming my heart out for those jackets! Go Tech!
By reebok
August 20, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
For years I’ve been telling non-Tech fans that “Yellow is not a Tech color.” Turns out I’m wrong. The yellow jersies & yellow pants are both hideous. Where is the navy blue???? And we might as well put the guys in orange helmets…it can’t make that ridculous JUCO unifrom look any worse.
By White and Gold Kills Red and Black
August 20, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Hmmmm, nice try leg-humper. Maybe you forgot that UGA’s market is limited to the South because no one ever makes it out of there. Have you ever been to a college fan store outside of the South? Oh and maybe you forgot about our recent basketball championship run or gameday appearances or Calvin Johnson. Think people across the country don’t know who GT is? Go ahead, keep thinking that your team is the best…really, go ahead.
By touchy
August 20, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
LMAO at the mods here. UGA thug comments totally fine and more often than not over the line. Just post a comment about documented GT drug dealers or staff members toking it up and eluding cops and those are sure to be blocked. Think Winkie is a little sensitive? Dish it out, can’t take it? Maybe thats why you get to cover Schmech. They play the same way.
By wagkrab
August 20, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Okay since you gave me permission I will. I do think we’re better than you. Especially since during my 45 years we’ve owned your azz on the field. If you were alive for Dodd more power to you, but he was almost dead before most of the posters here were fans. So sure I’m better than you, UGA is better than you. So YOU may as bugs like to say, GO TO HELL ^^
By People Across the USA
August 20, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Oh people throughout the nation know who Tech is.
Every time they lose the Humanitarian Bowl or Emerald Nut Bowl (the only 2 they play in any more) EVERYONE asks how did tech manage to even get into even that rinky dink bowl?
And you can bet your booties girlfriend that EVERYONE has heard of Reggie Ball “the most erratic quarterback in Division 1A football” to quote one sportscaster.
And EVERYONE has heard of the tech baseball team that lost two straight to its arch rival Georgia Bulldogs by a combined score of 26-3 to be elimated from playing in the college world series.
And who hasn’t heard of Reuban Houston an his arrest for the 100 pounds of pot episode?
And lets not forget the Tech student terrorists with charges pending.
Oh yes, the entire country has heard about tech. You can bet on that.
By Haha
August 20, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Haha. wagkrab you are funny. UGA is currently better in football (and has been for a while) we can admit that, but 90% of the gt-uga games are very close (and GT is going to get better, quickly). But to flat out say you are better than usnow thats just funny.
Im sure you werent alive the last time ugay was preseason #1 (just like 90% of ugay fans) b/c the embarassing way you have all yelled, pounded your collective chest, and awarded yourself the NC before the first snap. Just like the UF celebration, you mutts need to have class and act like you have been there before. Wait, I guess that would be pretty hard for you with a preseason #1…its been a while…
By he he
August 20, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Poor boy. I’m merely commenting on things between our sibling schools. No I wasn’t there for your information. Actually I’d prefer to be ranked 3, 4 or 5 in preseason. Too much pressure at no. 1. However nothing changes the fact that UGA has owned you in most every sport your miserable little life. It hurts, its ok to cry. Let the tears flow. All the vitriol you spew only confirms the fact that envy is about to burst your yellow little heart. You’d give your mother’s soul to beat UGA this year and you know it. So yep we’re better than you. Look at the records and once again you did give me permission. Now may the flames of Hell toast your yellow little a*. THWGT (BTW preaching class with that bunch of fish throwing malcontents you have is funny, pot, kettle, black)
By GT80
August 20, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Geez, i read the blog then start reading the comments and its always the same fcktards from both sides with the same crap over and over. sure would be nice to have a real blog where folks discuss the issues of the team, not the lame douchbaggery thrown out by a bunch of morons.
there, i got that off my chest and used my two new favorite words.
re the russell deal, I think matt explained that its all about the shoes, thus the difference between the tech and uconn/oregon deals.
the video was funny, but yes it was originally done as a dallas cowboy theme. as you could see, the same thing was done with a sCarolina and fsu theme, so obviously it was a gator fan that edited this one. still made me laugh.
matt, has nesbitt been back under center? any new word on the rt brown?
By timebandit
August 20, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Actually since we are preseason no. 1 now, as of the last couple of weeks that means that the last time we were preseason no. 1 is now. It’s a Mobius strip of time dilation! So hey we are there, btw I see you at no. 80 right below Duke. Congrats and stay classless like always Insect.
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 20, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Touchy,
Sensitive about what? What was edited?
Matt
By GT81
August 20, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Douching. Keeping GT80 fresh for over 20 years.
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 20, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Nesbitt was back Monday.
Brown was not as of yesterday, and it didn’t sound like he’d practice today.
By haha
August 20, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
You pathetic child. Keep on talking trash. Aren’t you over here on the GT blog, spewing your UGArbage? So what does that say about you? Its okay. We all know that you are a pathetic bandwagon fan, and are unemployed b/c your sociology degree is worthless. Yes, I would love to beat ugay this year. I want to beat them every year. im sure that you want to beat GT as well. And you have not “owned” GT in basketball. A few tough years for GT, but GT’s basketball program is leaps and bounds ahead of ugays. UGAY sports had a great year in 2007, but you inbred mutts let it go to your head, and now believe that every year will be so great. You have all forgotten how much the mutts love to CHOKE. Now go blog along with the other white trash on your own site. Maybe three of you can combine your under $40,000 a year salaries (and thats being generous), and take a trip to LSU to watch ugay lose its 2nd game.
By The Big Bug
August 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
“People Across The USA”.Let’s DO forget about the “student terrorist”. Do you really want to bring the entire student bodies into this? I think not. This blog is about sports and the team members,moron. Ball had his ups & downs but he tried. The fault lies with Gailey for refusing to pull him when was down. And you could poll the Country as to their opinion on GT & GA and I feel confidant you would not like the results.
By hoho
August 20, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Lol wow, seems I’ve gotten under your chitin. Sorry but I’ve got all my travel plans and tickets and didn’t need to borrow beg or steal to get them. UGA educations can turn into well paying jobs if one has a modicum of intelligence and social prowess, something you know nothing of. GT basketball and UGA basketball same number of NC, 0. In fact UGA doesn’t really care about basketball. So you guys should win every time. But you don’t. Baseball same thing. Football well we know how that goes. I love how much GT focuses on inbreeding. Is that because of all the pron surfing in mommie’s basement has warped you? Choking, why you losers excel in that, (see baseball and over-rated basketball) And yes we do want to beat you every year in footballl, but unlike you UGA does usually win and there’s the rub. Like salt in an open wound. Hope you enjoy the pain because there’s only more heading your way. So go stew and enjoy your wailing and gnashing because we know we will beat you, all you have is wishes and hopes. THWGT (BTW you also seem very focused on gay themes, and you know what they say about that, not that there’s anything wrong with that……lmao.)
By GT80
August 20, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
I wouldnt “Touchy’ you with a Ten foot Pole..I gots one too, lol. Walks funny also. Lets all kiss and be happy and Gay. I cans beat you, You cans beat me…Ijust wish somebody would “Beat This”. John McCain for President has a new site called “Democrats for McCain’..I hope everybody visits this site to find out what a Real candidate is like.
By Big Bugs Wife
August 20, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Would I like to bring the “Student Bodies” into this?? My husband doest know I blog here, so shhh. Oil those uniformed Student bodies, off with those pants and jocks. Show Momma what a Wreck you are. Send me out for a pass..”Touchdown:
By Al
August 20, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Matt: The next question is how much does Nike pay Tech for their shoe contract?
By haha
August 20, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Wait, I thought that you had “owned” us in every sport? And why are you still on here talking trash? GT will rebound, UGArbage will choke, and 75% of the bandwagon dog nation will be nowhere to be found. I love to see the mutts sniffing around on these blogs. Just proves that you are all nervous now that CG is gone, and GT may be competitive, if not better, in the very near future. Enough of this banter, i have said my piece, and im sure that you will still be on here, talking trash, like a good ol’ mutt.
By haha hoho
August 20, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
“pron surfing” haha, you dumbass
By CarolinaJacket
August 20, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
A slight change of subject. What about the Amethyst Iniative? It seems that that would at least keep the players from getting charged with under age drinking. If they have a few brewskis and stay out of other throuble they would be ok. So what do you think?
By HellsCowBells
August 20, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
A team that is only 20 games above .500 since 1964 has alot of rebounding to do haha.
By dawgy
August 20, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
I came on here wanting to read about football. Instead, like clockwork, I see a bunch of insecure tech fans respond to the bait from dawg fans and commence to hurling ridiculous and unfounded insults our way. Jeez, do your mothers know yall are on their computers? I come here to read about tech football (them being our rival and all), but I continuously witness a bunch of whiny, illogical, petty, bitter, and cowardly tech fans pontificate and lie about both schools. I really don’t think that’s what this blog is for. Congratulations for b******* what could be an interactive exercise.
By Carolina Jacket
August 20, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Anyone notice the difference between the two sites?? If you say “Boo’ or write something anti UGA on Their site, you are gone almost as fast as my premature one last night. Here, they can Rant and Rave..Diss us and Kiss us, and N-O-T-H-I-N-G. Only goes to shows you what Really matters at AJC.. Anti-Jackets Column.
By Show me a good blog
August 20, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? Have you looked at any uga blogs? Its nothing but uga, uf, au, and ut kids having a pi$$ing contest as well. Thats all any of these blogs are (uga and gt). 1 in every 38 posts is intelligent. And then it is followed by garbage.