Janice
08-25-2007, 04:37 PM
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/08/nike_cancels_vicks_endorsement.html (http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/08/nike_cancels_vicks_endorsement.html)
Nike severs endorsement contract with Vick
Nike said today that it has terminated its endorsement contract with Michael Vick, hours after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback acknowledged in court papers that he bankrolled gambling on dogfighting and helped kill some dogs.
The company, based near Beaverton, released a two-sentence statement this evening saying it was ending the contract "following today's release of details of his plea."
"As we have said in previous statements, we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane, abhorrent and unacceptable," Nike said.
The move came just hours after the NFL suspended the former star quarterback indefinitely.
Last month, Nike suspended Vick's contract without pay and stopped marketing Vick shoes, shirts and spikes.
The suspension came more than a week after federal authorities accused Vick of operating a brutal dogfighting and gambling operation at his Virginia home. Animal rights groups targeted Nike, the world's leading athletic brand, with e-mail campaigns and protests.
On Monday, Vick agreed to a plea deal that avoids the most serious charges but still carries with it the risk of a prison sentence, fines and suspension from the NFL. He also could face state charges.
Nike severs endorsement contract with Vick
Nike said today that it has terminated its endorsement contract with Michael Vick, hours after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback acknowledged in court papers that he bankrolled gambling on dogfighting and helped kill some dogs.
The company, based near Beaverton, released a two-sentence statement this evening saying it was ending the contract "following today's release of details of his plea."
"As we have said in previous statements, we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane, abhorrent and unacceptable," Nike said.
The move came just hours after the NFL suspended the former star quarterback indefinitely.
Last month, Nike suspended Vick's contract without pay and stopped marketing Vick shoes, shirts and spikes.
The suspension came more than a week after federal authorities accused Vick of operating a brutal dogfighting and gambling operation at his Virginia home. Animal rights groups targeted Nike, the world's leading athletic brand, with e-mail campaigns and protests.
On Monday, Vick agreed to a plea deal that avoids the most serious charges but still carries with it the risk of a prison sentence, fines and suspension from the NFL. He also could face state charges.