Durham, NC – July 8, 2024 – Peak Sports, represented by attorney Cooper Walker of Frost Echols, has formally addressed concerns over recent statements made by Dr. Skip Perkins, Athletic Director at HBCU North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Walker’s letter, sent to the NCCU Board of Trustees and the Office of the Chancellor, clarifies what the company views as inaccuracies in Perkins’ comments about the contractual relationship between NCCU and Peak Sports.
During the NCCU Board of Trustees meeting on June 25, 2024, Dr. Perkins made several statements that Peak Sports believes to be factually incorrect. The disputed claims include assertions that Peak Sports receives 40 percent of all sales revenue, whether sold by Peak Sports or the institution, and that NCCU has made numerous attempts to terminate the contract.
Walker outlined the actual terms of the agreement, specifying that the Durham, NC-based HBCU retains 100 percent of revenue up to $100,000 annually, while Peak receives 100 percent of the revenue between $100,000 and $275,000. Revenue beyond $275,000 is shared, with 60 percent going to NCCU and 40 percent to Peak Sports. This contradicts Perkins’ claim that Peak Sports gets 40 percent of everything sold.
Additionally, Walker refuted the statement that Peak Sports gets 40 percent of items sold by NCCU. He clarified that although the original contract had such a clause, it was amended on May 5, 2023, to allow NCCU to raise funds independently without owing a share to Peak Sports. This amendment, signed by Perkins, means that Peak only earns from sponsorships it directly secures.
Regarding Perkins’ claim that the HBCU has tried to exit the contract multiple times, Walker provided details of a single conversation on April 30, 2024, where Perkins inquired if Peak Sports would allow NCCU to cancel the agreement. This was not followed by any formal attempts or repeated discussions on the matter.
In his letter, Walker emphasized that Peak values its partnership with NCCU and holds no ill will towards the institution. The concern is specifically with Dr. Perkins’ public statements, which have been circulated in various online forums and publications, potentially leading to a defamation claim. However, Peak Sports does not intend to pursue legal action, provided the inaccuracies are rectified in the Board’s official records and addressed in the next Board meeting.
Peak seeks to continue its collaborative efforts to support NCCU Athletics, according to Walker, urging transparency and accuracy in public communications to maintain the integrity of their professional relationship. The company’s representatives hope for a resolution that reaffirms their commitment to fostering a productive partnership with NCCU.
HBCU Gameday has reached out to NC Central Athletics, but it declined comment.