Former CU Boulder Athletics Director Arrested for Embezzling $9,500 from Nike Program
Cory Randall Hilliard, a former Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Colorado Boulder, has been arrested on charges of embezzling over $9,500 from the university's Nike Elite program. According to the Boulder County District Attorney's Office, Hilliard faces charges of embezzlement of public property, theft, and first-degree official misconduct. The alleged embezzlement occurred between 2021 and 2025, during which Hilliard reportedly used the funds to purchase Nike products and ship them to a personal address. An internal audit revealed that Hilliard exceeded his annual $625 Nike product allowance, spending significantly more each year. Hilliard, who left CU Boulder in August 2025, was recently placed on leave from his position as CFO of USA Swimming following his arrest. CU Boulder is revising its Nike Elite program policies in response to the incident. 
