Ron Holmes, the father of top high school basketball recruit Shabazz Muhammad, said he does not understand the criticism from some about adidas' possible role in Muhammad committing to play next season at UCLA, according to Bolch & Holmes of the L.A. TIMES. Ron Holmes said, “I don't understand when they say Adidas had a presence here. Adidas didn't tell us where to go to school. … If they're saying that Adidas is giving me money, that is a downright lie." Muhammad's AAU team, Dream Vision, was sponsored by adidas, but Holmes pointed out that Muhammad “played for Bishop Gorman High, a Nike-sponsored school.” He added that the amount adidas gave Dream Vision “covered only a portion of the team's travel needs.” Dream Vision coach Clayton Williams said that although the team is sponsored by adidas, “most of the team's players end up at colleges affiliated with other shoe companies.” Williams: "Ninety percent of our kids wear Nikes in the winter (with their high school teams). But no one wants to speak to that." Holmes added that Muhammad's "future prospects played no role” when Asia Muhammad, Shabazz' sister, signed with adidas when she became a pro tennis player. Holmes said, "She was a standout junior tennis player and she got a contract off those merits.” Bolch & Holmes note Asia is currently ranked No. 386 in the ATP world rankings. Ron Holmes said that she is “negotiating a new contract commensurate with her ranking, one that could be 85% less than her original deal.” Holmes said that adidas reps “haven't broached the topic of a possible contract with Muhammad once he enters the NBA” (L.A. TIMES, 4/13). In Seattle, Percy Allen noted when Muhammad "made his decision he wore a Nike sweat shirt" (SEATTLETIMES.com, 4/12).
