Oregon newspaper The Register-Guard is reporting that Nike contributed money to disgraced former governor John KitzhaberÂ’s campaign at the same time that TrackTown USA was requesting state funding support for the 2019 IAAF World Championships bid.

Saul Hubbard reported today that TrackTown USA president Vin Lananna and University of Oregon Foundation president Paul Weinhold requested $40 million from the state to support TrackTownÂ’s 2019 bid for the IAAF World Championships.

Kitzhaber’s policy advisor Vince Porter was initially against the request saying “I don’t think that state should be even considering something larger than $20 million.”

However, just five months after conversations began about TrackTown’s request for the state to subsidize, Kitzhaber recorded a video message to the IAAF’s bid team in November 2014 that said he would “use all the means at my disposal to deliver the financial support needed for the championships.” In the video he specifically endorsed $40 million.

The Register-Guard is reporting that KitzhaberÂ’s change of heart occurred at the same time he was receiving nearly $400,000 for his campaign from Nike and member of the UO Board of Trustees.

According to the report, Nike founder Phil Knight donated $250,000 to Kitzhaber’s 2014 efforts. However, in 2010 Knight donated $400,000 to his GOP opponent Chris Dudley. Nike CEO Mark Parker donated $50,000 — his first ever to a politician. Nike itself donated $65,000 to the campaign, $42,500 more than they did in 2010.

UO trustees Chuck Lillis, Connie Ballmer, Allyn Ford and Joe Gonyea III also donated considerable amounts to Kitzhaber.

Kitzhaber resigned as Governor of Oregon in February 2015 after being rocked by criminal allegations. He was the longest-serving Oregon governor from 1995-2003 and 2011 up until his resignation.

Whatever is going on in Oregon, Lananna and TrackTown USA defend themselves in regards to the 2021 IAAF Championship bid Eugene received without a formal bidding process. They issued a statement in December saying: 

“In relation to the bids from the United States for the 2019 and 2021 IAAF World Championships, TrackTown USA stands fully behind the integrity of these candidatures, which have been made public. The Eugene proposal - which was identical for 2019 and 2021 - adhered to all ethical and legal standards for organizing, presenting and advocating for our bid, according to IAAF rules. The decision to award the 2021 World Championships to Eugene was made by the IAAF Council in a vote of 23-1.”