Michael Jordan’s agent tries to set record straight on original Nike deal

6:04 PM ET

Nike first signed Michael Jordan to an endorsement deal more than 30 years ago, but the debate over who deserves credit for the signing has taken on a life of its own.

Now, Jordan’s agent during his playing days is weighing in.

“Michael Jordan is the one who most deserves credit for signing with Nike,” said David Falk, who represented Jordan in contract and marketing negotiations.

Falk bristled at the most recent comments from Sonny Vaccaro, the former Nike marketer who told the “Brown and Scoop” podcast that he deserved most of the credit for the Jordan signing.

The Air Jordan brand brings in more than $2.5 billion in sales annually for Nike, but there’s now debate over who deserves credit for Michael Jordan’s original deal. Joseph M. Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images

Triggered by ESPN’s 30 For 30 documentary “Sole Man” that focused on Vaccaro, Jordan himself minimized Vaccaro’s contributions in comments made to USA Today in September, when the film debuted.

“Sonny likes to take the …

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