On September 26, 2017, the FBI announced the arrest of 10 men in connection with “fraud and corruption in college basketball.” The announcement shook the intercollegiate athletics world to its core. Three of ten individuals implicated in the investigation were employees or representatives of sportswear manufacturer, Adidas AG. This case delves thoroughly into the FBI’s investigation of the bribery and money laundering that took place over a two-year period and Adidas’s response. This case also offers an overview of the company’s history, highlights the history of endorsements, introduces another key player in the NCAA, and provides a framework for further analysis.
Case #19-10. (16 pp.)

Airbnb, a rapidly growing peer-to-peer rental property platform, faces scrutiny and backlash for its actions after teenage guest, Jacob Lopez, claims to have been sexually assaulted by his host. The case discusses the struggles associated with a rapidly growing company in the sharing economy. To provide a proper framework for analysis, the case also details a brief history of Airbnb’s responses to similar previous incidents. How does Airbnb protect its guests from harm with little to no control over the behavior of its hosts? (Or, vice versa?) What communication tactics need to be implemented to respond to future hazardous incidents? 15 pp. Case #16-03 (2016)

Professional golf’s most prestigious venue and most storied tournament come under fire as the
National Council of Women’s Organizations attacks Augusta National Golf Club for its
exclusionary membership practices. The Club, which annually sponsors The Masters Golf
Tournament, has no women members and balks at the idea of being told who it must include as
members. A very public tussle ensues, involving the CBS Television Network, the Professional
Golfers Associations, several prestigious sponsors, and the business organizations of the club’s
members. Both sides resolve to stand their ground. 12 pp. Case #03-02. (2003)