Reebok and Nike
suspend Michael Vick contracts
The apparel giants
Reebok and Nike have suspended contracts for Michael Vick
products.
Reebok
International Ltd., a unit of Adidas AG, announced on Friday
that the company will immediately stop selling jerseys of
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who pleaded not guilty
yesterday to felony charges stemming from his alleged
involvement in a dogfighting ring. The official Reebok statement
read:
"Although Reebok does not have an
individual endorsement or marketing relationship with Michael
Vick, we are the official supplier of apparel and equipment to
all 32 NFL teams and the league's 1,800 active players. While we
respect the legal process we find the allegations against Mr.
Vick too disturbing to ignore."
Nike was quick to join their rival. Nike
announced on July 19th that they would suspend the release of
Michael Vick's new "Zoom Vick V" shoe line, however, today the
apparel company announced that they would suspend sells of all
Michael Vick related products. On Nike's website the statement
was loud and clear, reading that the company "has suspended
Michael Vick's contract without pay, and will not sell any more
Michael Vick product at Nike-owned retail at this time."
Michael Vick was released on bond after
pleading not guilty and a trial has been scheduled for late
November.
Prices of Michael Vick jerseys and other apparel
on eBay are expected to soar.
Published on 07/27/2007
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