Nike Deal Delays Univ. Of Tennesee's Plans For Black Uniforms

Univ. of Tennessee football "intended to wear black jerseys against Kentucky this season, then auction the jerseys to raise money to support local organizations fighting for racial equality and social justice," but because of a contract with Nike, UT "won't be wearing black" against UK on Saturday, according to Mike Wilson of the Knoxville NEWS SENTINEL. UT football coach Jeremey Pruitt said the alternate uniform "will happen in the future and the Vols do still desire to organize support for Knoxville-based organizations." Pruitt: "We are not going to be able to do it this game, but Nike guaranteed us that from now on, we would be able to have black jerseys, black uniforms." Tennessee partnered with Nike in '15, agreeing to an eight-year deal for nearly $4M annually "paid in merchandise credit and cash." A little more than a year later, UT "added three years" to extend through '25-26, and it "added to the annual value." The "total 11-year deal is worth" more than $50M (Knoxville NEWS SENTINEL, 10/13).