Boris Becker criticized Andre Agassi and Nike for gaining
preferential treatment at Wimbledon. Becker's primary complaint
was that he played only once on Centre Court before his semifinal
match, while Agassi, the top-seed, played five of his six matches
there. Becker: "It cannot just be a coincidence ... I think Nike
must have something to do with this. The other companies just
can't compete with them. The company puts pressure on the
tournaments and money plays a big role. ... I am worried it will
happen at the U.S. Open. I fear it will be like playing in a
Nike house." Wimbledon and Nike officials dismissed Becker's
comments. More from Becker: "They do not have enough money to
buy me. I wouldn't want my son wearing the things Agassi does."
Becker has a clothing contract with Lotto, and is coached by Nick
Bolletierri, Agassi's former coach. Becker's comments "may stem
from the feud between" Agassi and Bollettieri (Mult./AP, 7/12).
SWOOSH GO THE EARNINGS: Nike saw their 4th quarter earnings
increase 64% from a year ago. Net income for the quarter ended
May 31 was $113.4M or $1.56 a share. The results were "well
above the mean average projection of $1.40" (WALL STREET JOURNAL,
7/12). Analysts say the strong gains in the sales of men's
basketball sneakers and women's fitness products "helped drive
earnings." Michael Shea, Dir of Research at Charter Investment
Group: "I don't see any weaknesses. The question is 'How much
better can it get?'" Women's fitness sales jumped 23% (N.Y.
POST, 7/12).
