Marquette does not believe current players sold exclusive shoes in violation of NCAA rules

Marquette athletics said on Friday that there is no indication that any current member of the men's basketball team sold shoes exclusively issued to the school.

MU looked into the issue after it was alerted by the University of North Carolina compliance department, which self-reported NCAA violations after finding that 13 football players sold shoes given to the university as part of its apparel contract. 

The NCAA does not allow student-athletes to resell team gear for profit.

MU has an apparel contract with Brand Jordan, a division of Nike.

"As an athletic department, we expect staff and student-athletes to comply at all times with NCAA rules and regulations," MU said in a statement.

UNC suspended the players between two and four games on Monday.

The shoes were sold on the resale market through retailer StockX.

A search of "Marquette" on StockX's website reveals five pairs of "Jordan XXXI" lows that were recently sold for between $85 and $200.

MU said that that model of shoe is not exclusive to members of its men's basketball team and pairs are often given to other people.

Michigan, which was also alerted by UNC to exclusive pairs on StockX, said executives and celebrities also receive special shoes.

Another pair of shoes sold on the site – a "Jordan 4 retro Cal / Marquette" – is listed as having sold for $2,000. The colors are described as "varsity maize/midnight navy," which would indicate an exclusive for the California Golden Bears.

MU said it had never received any shoes of the model and colors shown on website.  

MU said that in future seasons, shoes will personalized by player and any specialty shoes will be worn on multiple occasions. That would decrease any resale value the shoes have.

MU also said this about its gear distribution: 

"All team gear and shoes provided to men’s basketball players have been inventoried on an annual basis by the program’s staff, from the time of the student athlete’s arrival on campus, through the conclusion of his respective playing career at Marquette. All players are also instructed by the athletics compliance office that selling team-issued equipment is prohibited per NCAA rules."