FedEx denies report it is offering millions for University of Memphis BCS league bid

By Dan Wolken

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Posted June 13, 2010 at 4:11 p.m., updated June 13, 2010 at 11:31 p.m.

FedEx on Sunday denied a CBSSports.com report that chairman Fred Smith had let it be known that his company could pay millions to a Bowl Championship Series conference that invites the University of Memphis to join.

 "While FedEx is supportive of the University of Memphis' efforts to join a BCS conference, recent reports that FedEx is offering financial incentives as part of this initiative are incorrect," Carla Boyd of FedEx media relations said in a statement.

The statement also refuted the widely reported notion that company officials were actively talking with BCS leagues on Memphis' behalf.

"FedEx executives have not had any discussions with BCS conference officials regarding conference re-alignment," the statement said.

On Thursday, U of M athletic director R.C. Johnson had jokingly said he had "two of the highest paid assistant ADs in the history of mankind," referring to Smith and FedEx chief financial officer Alan Graf.

Then, on Saturday, CBSSports.com's report suggested the FedEx payout could reach $10 million annually to a BCS conference, likely in the form of sponsorship.

FedEx recently dropped its sponsorship of the Orange Bowl but has been one of the nation's top 50 companies in spending on sports marketing.