NEW YORK, NY, (July 15, 2008) – Last night, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc., along with New York socialites and celebrities from the world of sports, music, entertainment and fashion came out in force to pay respect to one of professional baseball’s greatest shortstops, Derek Jeter. The exclusive event acknowledged the illustrious 13-year career of one of Team Jordan’s first and finest superstars that also paid respect to one of America’s greatest baseball cities, New York.

“To see so many teammates, friends and many of New York’s finest come out to this event hosted by Jordan Brand and show support is truly an honor,” said Derek Jeter, Team Jordan athlete. “This event is even more special to me because it is part of the celebration of the last All-Star game ever to be played at Yankee Stadium, a place that has been my home for 13 seasons.”

New York hot spot, MARQUEE, was packed with honored guests who danced the night away to tunes spun by a DJ trilogy – DJ Premier, DJ Beverly Bond and celebrity DJ Idris Elba, aka DJ Driis.  The theme for the night was “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” highlighted throughout the venue with famous sayings displayed proudly on the walls from notable baseball legends and coaches, as well as a sophisticated ambiance of lush colors and candles to add to the stylish mood of Marquee. The Derek Jeter event produced an amazing list of who’s who in New York including athletes such as Michael Jordan, baseball legends Reggie Jackson, Wade Boggs and Dave Winfield, Joba Chamberlain, one of Jeter’s teammates, Tino Martinez, former Jeter teammate, football player Keith Bullock, and Ben Sheets, starting pitcher for the All-Star game. Celebrities also came out to support Jeter, including Gabrielle Union, Ethan Hawke, Billy Crystal, Jermaine Dupri, Mya, Busta Rhymes, model Jaslene Gonzalez, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockton of Boyz II Men, rapper Fabulous, R&B singer Lloyd, D. Woods of Danity Kane and Terrence J of BET’s 106 & Park.

The event also showcased Derek Jeter’s signature shoe, the Jeter Clutch, a high-performance training shoe that was developed to help him train for the rigors of a 162-game season.  Inspired by Jeter’s renowned career, the Clutch is a superior training shoe that blends the best aspects of the celebrated sports hero and allows consumers to be as clutch as a three-time Gold Glove winner.  Derek Jeter was one of the first athletes personally handpicked by Michael Jordan to represent the brand based on his dedication to hard work and his desire to be the best.

The first colorway of the Jeter Clutch launched May 3, 2008 and the All-Star version launched July 1, 2008, both with a suggested retail price of $100. Retailer information is available at www.Jumpman23.com.

About Jordan Brand

A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan.  The Jordan Brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and lifestyle products for men, women and kids.  The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers. For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.

About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.