Throwback Thursday: Stripes, Not Swoosh

Twelve years ago this week, Andre Agassi signed an exclusive footwear and apparel deal with Adidas, ending a 17-year relationship with Nike. Nike’s last deal with Agassi was reportedly worth $120M over 10 years. Agassi joined his wife, Steffi Graf, as an Adidas endorser. Agassi’s agent, Perry Rogers, said that the "driving force behind the deal was the willingness of Adidas to also support Agassi’s charitable foundation and other initiatives." The Univ. of Oregon's Paul Swangard: "Agassi and Nike is as indelible of a connection that a brand and athlete can have. It’s going to be a challenge to undo that."

Other stories from this week in '05:

• ESPN names Al Michaels “MNF” play-by-play man when show moves from ABC.
• NHLPA Exec Dir Bob Goodenow steps down, with Ted Saskin named replacement.
• IAAF World Championships to be webcast in U.S. for the first time.