Reporters being influenced by endorsement money?

[AU_Tiger_2000]

Couple of articles criticizing ESPN reporters for accepting endorsement/emcee money from Nike and Reebok.

http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/romenesko/119518/will-iger-do-anything-about-espns-corrupt-shoe-deals/

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/sports/15espn.html?_r=3&ref=sports

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/02/nike_confirms_contracts_with_3.html

Definitely a conflict of interest.  Especially since the three who are getting paid by Nike are Corso, Herbstreit, and Fowler and have as much influence on college football pollsters and what news gets put out there as anybody.

Short List for Nike: Oregon, USC, TCU, Texas, West Virginia, Va Tech, UNC, the SEC except Auburn, Tennessee, USCe, Miss St.

Update: Since EA is getting paid by Reebok you can add in Tennessee and Miss St since they are sponsored by Reebok's parent company Adidas.