Nike 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.
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.
Absolutely the right move by these companies! Bravo.