http://www.gomemphis.com/mca/football/article/0,1426,MCA_478_2211678,00.html
Sherrill hot about cool vests By From Our Press Services August 27, 2003 Mississippi State football coach Jackie Sherrill is miffed that Nike has provided Oregon with experimental vests the Ducks might use Saturday night to help stay cool when they play the Bulldogs in what figures to be warm and humid conditions. Sherrill said Mississippi State, which also has a contract with Nike, wasn't offered the equipment until he asked about it. "When you have two teams under contract to the same vendor you question why they're allowing one to use it and not another," he said. "They (Nike) didn't offer it until (last) Friday afternoon, and not until I asked the question." The product, which was developed by Oregon-based Nike, is worn under the shoulder pads and weighs slightly more than a T-shirt. When connected to a sideline compressor, the bladder-like device blows dehumidified air on the players. Phil Knight, CEO and co-founder of Nike, is an Oregon alum and major supporter of the school's athletic program. Sherrill said Tuesday the vests were being shipped to Starkville but would not arrive until Friday. That's too late, he said. "How long does it take your team to get accustomed to them? You don't just walk in and put a new item on a player on game day that you've never tested or worn." Saturday's forecast calls for a high temperature of 91 degrees and a low of 68 with a possible thunderstorm mixed in. Kickoff is 8 p.m. [...] kurt ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
