Statement Regarding SBC Sponsorship Agreement
10/27/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An agreement for SBC to sponsor the Ohio State-Michigan football games in 2004 and 2005 will not go forward, officials from both universities announced today (Wednesday, Oct. 27). Although the institutions were close to an agreement to have SBC support the games and supply funding to other programs at the two schools, the details of the contract could not be finalized to the schools' satisfaction.
Andy Geiger, director of athletics at The Ohio State University, said: "We were excited about the positive impact the agreement would have on the Department of Athletics, the University and the community. But as we attempted to move forward, it became apparent that this agreement could detract from the great tradition of the game itself. Given that possibility, and the fast-approaching date of this year's game, the two universities agreed it was in their best interest not to pursue the arrangement at this time.
"We are very grateful to SBC for their willingness to participate in this great event, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them as a corporate sponsor."
Bill Martin, director of athletics at the University of Michigan, said: "We greatly value the support SBC has given to our athletic department over the years, and they are a terrific corporate sponsor. I believe that corporate support is essential to the financial health of our athletics program, and to our ability to offer opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the national level. However, that support has to be consistent with our values and the tradition we share with our fans."
U-M Contact: Bruce Madej (734) 763-4423
