The center photograph celebrating UCLA’s record $280-million shoe and apparel deal with Under Armour on Tuesday was poignantly missing someone.
On one side was smiling Bruins Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. On the other was smiling Under Armour executive Kevin Plank. Between them was a crisp new white Under Armour UCLA basketball jersey.
Missing was the athlete who will wear that jersey.
Absent was the athlete upon whose back this deal was cut.
Forgotten, again, was the athlete whose ability to promote Under Armour products earned the big contract, yet whose amateur status under warped NCAA rules prevents him or her from reaping significant financial rewards.