Homepage / Atlanta News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story
Associated Press
THE MICHAEL VICK CASE
LEGAL BATTLE
PROTESTS AND CONTROVERSY
FAN SUPPORT, REACTION
OFFICIAL RESPONSES

Reebok, Nike Sack Vick

POSTED: 4:47 pm EDT July 27, 2007
UPDATED: 6:32 pm EDT July 27, 2007

Reebok and Nike announced Friday that they would immediately suspend selling Michael Vick NFL products in response to the federal dogfighting allegations.

The following statement was released by Reebok late Friday afternoon:

"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, therefore, we have decided to immediately suspend selling Vick NFL product, both at retail and on-line through the Reebok website.

In addition, Reebok has honored retail cancellations of Vick NFL jerseys."

This announcement comes the day after Vick appeared in a Richmond federal courtroom to face charges of dogfighting that allegedly took place at property he owned in Surry County, Va.

This is the third endorsement deal that has been delayed or canceled for Vick as a result of the dogfighting allegations.

Nike issued a statement on Friday as well that said they have suspended Vick's contract without pay.

Company spokesman Dean Stoyer released the statement that said Nike will not sell any more Vick product at Nike-owned retail stores at this time.

The statement said, "As we've said before, Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent.

However, we do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen in the United States, therefore, we have not terminated our relationship."

AirTran Airlines canceled a sponsorship package with Vick on May 31.

Vick pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal dogfighting-related charges. He was released without bond, and his trial has been scheduled for Nov. 26.

There is also a chance that the trial could be delayed if federal prosecutors tack on additional charges.

Billy Martin, Vick's attorney, read an apology from Vick to his family and his teammates outside the Richmond courtroom.

"We look forward to the opportunity to be able to walk inside this courtroom and saying to the world that Michael Vick is innocent," Martin said.


Sponsored Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Gastrointestinal ailments – whether temporary or chronic – can be unbearable. Learn how to recognize symptoms and treat digestive woes. More

In many homes the kitchen is the focal point of the entire house. Keep your kitchen up to date and meet the needs of your family’s lifestyle. More

Taking care of personal finances isn’t always an easy task, and sometimes we make some major blunders. Learn to avoid those mistakes and keep your money safe. More

Besieged by nagging aches and pains? You might have fibromyalgia. Read about the signs and symptoms. More

Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.

Get Your Degree

Education is essential when you are entering the job market and is going to have a tremendous affect on the salary that you will earn while on the job. More


Wheelchair Vans