Michael Avenatti, the celebrity attorney-turned-accused extortionist, claimed Thursday his allegations of impropriety by Nike are now being investigated by the University of Oregon -- but the university said that’s not true.
Avenatti in March and April alleged that Nike previously funneled payments to an associate of Bol Bol, who played for Oregon’s men’s basketball program for the 2018-19 season. Avenatti publicly disclosed documents in April that he claimed showed Nike steered money in 2017 to Mel McDonald, Bol’s “handler.”
Avenatti on Thursday announced via Twitter that Oregon is now investigating his 6-week-old allegations.
“I can now confirm that the University of Oregon is also investigating the allegations that Nike paid illegal bribes to players to attend colleges affiliated with Nike, including Oregon,” Avenatti wrote in a message posted at 4:50 p.m. “I will fully cooperate with them and all others in an effort aimed at disclosing the truth.”
Molly Blancett, a spokeswoman for the university, said in response that “there is no investigation" because officials “have seen no evidence that would indicate one is required.”
Blancett confirmed that the university’s general counsel contacted Avenatti to conduct due dilligence. But Avenatti “has not produced any evidence directly to the UO for us to review,” Blancett said.
Blancett previously did not answer written questions about whether officials believed the allegations swirling around Bol had merit, or what steps, if any, would be taken to address the matter. Officials also would not address whether Oregon spoke with Bol or his family about the allegations or whether the university had been contacted by federal authorities or the NCAA.
Avenatti has been accused by federal prosecutors of trying to extort more than $20 million from Nike. Authorities say Avenatti contacted Nike in March alleging he had evidence the shoe company directed payments to family and associates of amateur basketball players.
To keep that information quiet, prosecutors allege, Avenatti wanted Nike to pay him millions.
Reporter Jeff Manning contributed to this report.
-- Brad Schmidt
503-294-7628
@_brad_schmidt