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Woof! Woof! The Witch is Dead! Nike and Reebok Delete Michael Vick

witch_dead.pngNike has taken a stand, bowed to public opinion, and canned indicted football star and dog-fighting mogul Michael Vick.

The company said today that it is suspending him without pay from its roster of endorsers and pulling all Vick-related items from its retail stores. The products have also been removed from Nike's website.

Reebok, which doesn't count Vick as an endorser but is the leading manufacturer of NFL jerseys, also said it would suspend sales of Vick-related items. They said in a statement today:

"While we respect the legal process we find the allegations against Mr. Vick too disturbing to ignore, therefore, we have decided to immediately suspend selling Vick NFL product, both at retail and online through the Reebok website."
Vick apparel continues to sell on eBay.


Categories: News
BL Ochman | Jul 27 07 5:26 | TrackBack (0)

Comments

I don't see a downside for the companies, even though it sucks for a celebrity who finds themselves accused of something.

If it turns out the charges were trumped up, no one's going to blame a shoe company.

There was a children's performer (songs for young audiences) who was accused by a former girlfriend of sexual abuse against children. His career tanked immediately. I don't think he ever recovered, despite completely clearing his name within a few months of the controversy.

Posted by: Eric Eggertson at July 27, 2007 5:58 PM

Absolutely the right move by these companies! Bravo.

Posted by: Donna Tocci at July 28, 2007 8:28 AM

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About BL Ochman
BL Ochman
B.L. Ochman, Managing Director of Emerging Media for Proof Integrated Communications, the digital marketing arm of Burson-Marsteller, has been helping Fortune 500 companies strategically incorporate new media into their marketing mix since 1996.

She contributes to Ad Age Digital Next, Mashable, Business Week and others. On Twitter, she is @whatsnext.

She is co-founder of the pet lovers' site and blog, Pawfun.com - where you can create and send free photo e-cards of your pets and create a variety of great products featuring your pet’s photo.

This is my personal blog, where I share my own thoughts and opinions, which do not represent the views of Proof or its clients.






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