Nike Closes Controversial Oregon Project
Nike has shut down its Nike Oregon Project less than two weeks after controversial coach Alberto Salazar was banned from athletics for four years.
The coach’s ban following the results of a lengthy USADA investigation had become a “distraction”, the sportswear company said, adding that the situation had become “an unfair burden” on Nike Oregon Project athletes.
Nike moved to take down the project’s website and social media channels, and said that it will help its athletes to find alternative coaching arrangements.
The company said: “Nike has always tried to put the athlete and their needs at the front of all of our decisions.”
“This situation including uninformed innuendo and unsubstantiated assertions has become an unfair burden for current OP [Oregon Project] athletes. That is exactly counter to the purpose of the team.
“We have therefore made the decision to wind down the Oregon Project to allow the athletes to focus on their training and competition needs. We will help all of our athletes in this transition as they choose the coaching set up that is right for them.”
The company is one of the largest financial backers in sport, and has been caught up in the Salazar scandal, though the coach says he will appeal against the decision.
