Should Nike Drop Michael Vick?
Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Despite allegations that Michael Vick was involved in some ill-conceived dogfighting operation, Nike plans to continue working with him despite a letter they received from Humane Society president and CEO Wayne Pacelle who said:
“We trust that Nike does not want to be associated with any celebrity who is linked to this odious form of animal cruelty. We recognize that Mr. Vick has not been charged with a crime. But we know that Nike has high standards for its spokespersons.”
Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the company planned to honor its lucrative deal with Michael, who worked with the company to design a line of athletic shoes and has been used prominently in advertising campaigns:
“There is no change in the status of the agreement between Nike and football player Michael Vick. He is rightfully presumed innocent and afforded the same due process as any citizen, rather than be tried in the court of public opinion. Nike will continue to monitor the situation, but has nothing further to say at this time.”
Well said. Nike is handling this situation the right way. MV hasn’t been charged with anything yet and until he is, Nike is correct in continuing to feature him as a spokesman. Still, I wonder if Nike is hurting their reputation by associating themselves with someone who has garnered such negative publicity? AirTran Airways severed their relationship with Michael back in May. Will others follow?
Tags: airtran_airways, michael_vick, NFL, NikeRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Atlanta Falcons, Michael Vick
3 opinions for Should Nike Drop Michael Vick?
Geoff Young
Jun 19, 2007 at 8:26 pm
I expect that Nike and others are keeping a very close watch on the situation. As you say, though, much remains unknown at this point. I certainly wouldn’t want to be in Nike’s position…
Bonnie
Jun 20, 2007 at 5:17 pm
As with any “high profile” persona… It does not matter if the person is guilty it is the image and message portrayed. The more that I see of the NFL “misleadings” the more disgusted I become. Is this what I want my children to aspire to? Do I want them surrounded by this?? Unfortunate, but true- at this depressing moment in time I would only hope that my son would not EVER want to play professional sports- “What do these young men’s mothers have to say about this?” “Where is the morality and the leadership?” “Is this what millions of dollars does to a person?” I would rather be poor and have good morals then rich and looked down upon by GOD for my shallowness. It is truly a sad moment in time when the life of another becomes nothing more than sport. It would appear that NIKE is supporting illegal dog fighting and the ruination of “MAN’S BEST FRIEND” by it’s NONACTION. It will be a cold day in HELL before I purchase any NIKE product. This may not be much- but atleast I can stand for what I believe in. Wallow in your money- GOD will decide.
Kelly Miles
Jul 19, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Vick is a disgrace to our country. I will not ever buy a Nike product again and will certainly tell all my family members not to support a company that turns a blind eye to such atrocities this man has committed. I don’t have to wait for a jury to confirm this man is guilty. Let’s put him in a ring with another dog fighter supporter and tell them to fight to the death.
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