Over the weekend, it was reported that Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles declined an appearance at an exclusive event promoting the release of NBA star Anthony Edwards‘ shoe with Adidas in 2023. The report suggested that Lyles, who has been vocal with the media, believes he deserves an apparel sponsorship with Adidas. This stance was highlighted in a TIME magazine feature in June.
Before Lyles signed an extension with Adidas in February, he was quoted in the article regarding the invitation to the athlete’s shoe release event.
“You want to do what?” Lyles said. “You want to invite me to an event for a man who has not even been to an NBA Finals? In a sport that you don’t even care about? And you’re giving him a shoe? No disrespect; the man is an amazing athlete. He is having a heck of a year. I love that they saw the insight to give him a shoe because they saw that he was going to be big. All I’m asking is, ‘How could you not see that for me?'”
While Lyles made a valid point, the report was misconstrued. Lyles clarified in a tweet this morning that he had prior engagements that conflicted with his schedule.
There is a rumor going around that I did not go to @theantedwards_ shoe release because he didn’t deserve it. That is not the case he definitely deserves his shoes he is an amazing player. The problem was finding time based on my prior engagements.
Congratulations on Becoming an…— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) August 12, 2024
Lyles, who has won a gold medal in the 100 meters and a bronze medal in the 200 meters, is known for his confidence and continues to make history. However, this situation has become complicated, and Adidas has yet to comment. It remains to be seen if there will be any ongoing backlash.
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