Reebok, Nike Sack Vick
POSTED: 4:47 pm EDT July 27,
2007
UPDATED: 6:32 pm EDT July 27,
2007
ATLANTA -- 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.
Previous Stories:
- July 27, 2007: Vick Supporters Protest At Flowery Branch
- July 26, 2007: Vick Pleads Not Guilty
- July 24, 2007: Blank: Facts, Not Emotions, Needed In Vick Case
- July 23, 2007: Vick Protesters March At Falcons Headquarters
- July 21, 2007: Animal Protests Held In Front Of Nike, NFL Over Vick
- July 20, 2007: Sen. Kerry Calls For Vick's Suspension
- July 19, 2007: Blank Issues Statement On Vick Indictment
- July 19, 2007: Vick's Problems Could Hurt His Bottom Line
- July 6, 2007: Investigators Return To Vick's Va. Home
- June 23, 2007: Vick Fundraiser For Shooting Victims Canceled
- June 22, 2007: Animal Rights Group To Protest Vick
- June 19, 2007: Nike Turns Down Humane Society Request To Sack Vick
Copyright 2007 by Copyright 2007 by cbs46.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
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