Texts And Emails From Nike Allegedly Detail Payouts To Former Recruits

The ongoing drama involving Nike and its alleged payments to high school players has taken an interesting turn. Apparently, text messages and emails from company executives were shown in court on Friday.

Nike is being accused of discussing payments for past high school recruits, such as Zion Williamson and DeAndre Ayton.

Earlier this week, Nike released a statement about the issue. The famous brand stated that it wouldn't respond to the allegations involving payouts.

Well, the situation may have gotten worse for Nike. It appears the texts that were revealed in court include their plans to pay Williamson and other recruits back when they were in high school.

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer who filed a motion against Nike, showed the messages because they reportedly support his allegations that Nike was dealing with "under-the-table payments."

Carlton DeBose, the director of the Elite Youth Basketball League, made it clear that he was willing to spend top dollar. His main targets for Nike were Williamson and Romeo Langford.

From Yahoo Sports:

In one group text, James wrote to DeBose seeking to find out if they would be “willing to do … whatever may be needed for the Zion/Romeo situations as well as the money we’re now going to do for the [minor] kid in Michigan.”

DeBose then wrote he was willing to spend “70” in an effort “to cripple adidas” and that everyone should “stay aggressive and I will figure out the money part.”

This certainly isn't the last time we'll hear about these allegations involving Nike.

As for the employees named in the messages, Nike hasn't fired them up to this point. However, these newfound emails might play a factor in how this shapes out in court.