Nike, Inc. last week suspended the introduction of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's latest shoe two days after a federal grand jury indicted him for allegedly conspiring to run a dog-fighting operation from a home he owned in Virginia.
In a statement, Nike said: “Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent. We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen; therefore, we have not terminated our relationship. We have however made the decision to suspend the release of the Zoom Vick V and related marketing communications. Nike will continue to monitor the situation closely and have no further comment at this time.”
Vick, under contract with Nike since 2001, has been a star player in Nike's football marketing efforts. According to retail point-of-sale data compiled by SportScanINFO, Vicks jerseys were ranked #9 of all NFL jerseys sold at retail last year.
The Humane Society of the United States issued a statement calling upon Nike to further pull its Vick clothing and shoes from retailers and from its web site, including “Vick Hero” t-shirts currently being sold on nike.com. It also called on the NFL to suspend Vick. The organization held a protest at Nike, Inc. HQ in Beaverton on Friday, calling on the company to distance itself from the quarterback. “Michael Vick is no hero. A string of dead, wounded and suffering animals has been left along the eastern seaboard as a consequence of this dog-fighting ring. Federal authorities have charged Vick with felony offenses. This is no moment to tell America's youth to look up to such a man,” commented Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society.
Andy Hyman, owner and founder of Distant Replays, a well-known Atlanta-based retro store, told Sports Executive Weekly his orders for a dozen Vick Virginia Tech college jerseys shipped last Wednesday and he's so far planning on putting them on the floor. “The whole thing is vile and absolutely terrible,” said Hyman. “It's just a tough call and I'm on the fence, but until anything is proven, I'll put them out.” SEW found similar responses from other big box and chain stores in Atlanta, as well.
For its part, the NFL said it was watching legal developments in the case. “Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts,” the league's statement said.
