Good news from athetlic manufacturing giant Nike today. The company announced it was suspending its commercial deals with Michael Vick apparel in light of the heinous allegations of dog-fighting that Vick has pleaded not guilty to in federal court.
Earlier in the day, Reebok announced it would no longer sell Vick-branded apparel.
It's no surprise that the companies would bail on Vick, just like the NFL, which has barred the Falcons quarterback from attending training camp until it completes a review of the allegations against him.
Vick is as big a commerical pariah as anyone in recent memory; O.J. Simpson might be the only more radioactive athletic figure than Vick.
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, expressed appreciation and gratitude to Nike for suspending its commercial relationship with Michael Vick.
“The allegations against Michael Vick are so serious and disturbing that The Humane Society of the United called on his corporate backers to end their commercial relationships with the star player ,” said Pacelle. “We are very pleased that Nike has today signaled it has a zero tolerance policy for athletes who may be involved with staged animal fights and other forms of malicious animal cruelty by indefinitely suspending its relationship with Vick.”
Nike's statement reads as follows:
“Nike has suspended Michael Vick’s contract without pay, and will not sell any more Michael Vick product at Nike owned retail at this time. 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”