Wooden withdraws support for Wooden Award

[wsu97]

Updated: Aug. 31, 2005, 5:03 PM ET
Wooden withdraws support for Wooden Award
Associated Press


LOS ANGELES -- Hall of Fame coach John R. Wooden, who led UCLA to 10 national championships, says that for the first time in nearly three decades he won't present the prestigious collegiate player of the year award bearing his name, due to a dispute with the group that sponsors the prize.

Wooden won't contest the Los Angeles Athletic Club's continuance of the award.
The 94-year-old Wooden, however, said he won't contest the use of his name for the award.

"I don't want anything to interfere with the continuation of the award," he told The Associated Press on Saturday.

Los Angeles Athletic Club President Steve Hathaway, whose group sponsors the award in concert with Wooden, said the dispute concerned Wooden's decision to lend his name to an unrelated award in January.

"As part of its stewardship of the award, the club has a legal duty to defend its trademarks that protect the award," Hathaway said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times, which first reported the story Saturday.

Hathaway said he was "shocked and saddened" by Wooden's decision.

Wooden family agent Mark Humenik said the two sides differed over how Wooden should be able to use his name. When asked if they might eventually reach an agreement, he said "never say never."

Wooden retired as UCLA's coach in 1975, after winning the 10 NCAA championships in his last 12 years. The Wooden Award has been given annually since then.

Past winners include Michael Jordan, David Robinson and Larry Bird.

Wooden gave the club the John R. Wooden trademark for the men's award, as well as one for women's player of the year and one for coaches.

"I'm not bitter," Wooden said. "I'm feeling better than I have a right to feel at my age. I've been blessed."

sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2144423

[Wolf]

late again. posted on ESPN an hour earlier

[Big D]

wsu97 said:

Los Angeles Athletic Club President Steve Hathaway, whose group sponsors the award in concert with Wooden, said the dispute concerned Wooden's decision to lend his name to an unrelated award in January.

It's sad that there is a dispute over how the man is allowed to use his own name.

[wsu97]

littlegreg said:

late again. posted on ESPN an hour earlier

[Wolf]

Wooden Award flap is shocking
Dick Vitale
SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM

I was shocked to learn that the Wizard of Westwood, John Wooden, will no longer take part in presenting the award that bears his name. The Wooden Award is a prestigious honor, given to the best college basketball player in America, and it means a lot to so many people.

Wooden had a disagreement with the Los Angeles Athletic Club, which has given out the award for nearly three decades. This special honor will still be called the Wooden Award. I wish the two parties could reach an agreement to resolve this situation, which reportedly came about when the former UCLA coach agreed to lend his name to another unrelated award.

When you think about some of the past winners of the Wooden Award, you understand its importance. Players like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan have received the honor.

Besides being a phenomenal coach, John Wooden is a special, special person. They don't come any better than him, my friends. Listen to his wisdom and his philosophy about life beyond basketball. I had an opportunity to share time with him in a recent campaign, and my family and I were in awe listening to the positive things he says about being successful in the game of life.

The 94-year-old Wooden won a record 10 NCAA championships at UCLA (in the span of 12 years). He retired in 1975, the year he won title No. 10.

Let's hope the parties involved can work this out so Wooden will be part of the ceremony again. The national player of the year should enjoy the chance to spend time with the Wizard of Westwood. Let's face it, Wooden should be allowed to use his name in the way he sees fit. He should have a say in the way his name is used, even if it is on another award.

It would be sad if this saga were to continue and he missed out on being part of an award presentation that features one of the most magical names in the history of college basketball.
espn.go.com/dickvitale/vcolumn050831-Wooden.html