Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Nike announced that they no longer have a working relationship with eight-time world champion, Manny Pacquiao.
BREAKING: Nike has terminated its contract with Manny Pacquiao due to recent comments. Nike statement: pic.twitter.com/3xZ7e08EtU
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 17, 2016
Pacquiao was dropped by the company in the wake of his comments on same-sex marriage.
“If you have male-to-male or female-to-female [relationships], then people are worse than animals,” said Pacquiao in an interview with TV5 network.
Bob Arum, who is the president of Top Rank–the company that has promoted Pacquiao throughout his championship reign–spoke out against Pacquiao as well.
“I think it’s reprehensible,” Arum told RingTV.com in a phone interview on Wednesday.
“I’m in favor of same-sex marriage. I’m in favor of gay rights. A lot of my friends are gays, particularly in California and Hollywood, so it’s very offensive to them and that’s what I’m most concerned about.”
Former NBA player Jason Collins, who openly stated that he is gay in a May 2013 essay in Sports Illustrated, was the first athlete to blast Pacquiao on social media.
.@mannypacquiao I lost all respect for you. Bigoted people like you (& yes you are one) should never hold an office in politics. #ByeFelicia
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) February 16, 2016
Pacquiao is currently training for his April 9 fight against Timothy Bradley, a bout which is supposed to be the Filipino legends last.
What are your thoughts on Pacquiao’s comments and Nike’s decision to drop him?
