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View Full Version : Michael Vick Nike Endorsement: Yes, No, Maybe?


POJO_Risin
10-01-2009, 11:05 AM
Yesterday, Michael Vick's agent said he had an endorsement deal in place with Nike.

Now, I nearly hammered the shit out of Nike. Yeah, I think Vick got screwed when he was sent to jail, but I also felt like the court of public opinion, and the more important court of a whole lot of fucking money in his pocket, should have crucified him.

So, his agent says we have an endorsement.

Today, Nike poo-pooed the deal, saying that they had no "contractual relationship" with Vick, only that they were supplying him with athletic supplies, as they do many athletes not under contract.

So...what does this really mean?
POJO_Risin
10-01-2009, 11:06 AM
1. Did Vick actually have something in place...not signed...and after less than 24 hours of backlash, did Nike back out?
POJO_Risin
10-01-2009, 11:07 AM
2. Did Vick's agent try and pull a fast one by announcing a Nike deal to try and get endorsements for his client, only to have Nike smack him around like a bitch when they found out, and began taking heat?
POJO_Risin
10-01-2009, 11:08 AM
3. Did both sides throw it out there to see if it would stick?
ELVIS
10-01-2009, 11:09 AM
Three
chefcraig
10-01-2009, 06:29 PM
As the day goes on, it's beginning to look like option #2. Nike regularly supplies hundreds of players with everything from shoes to clothing, all with that little swoosh emblem sewn on them so that wherever a player shows up, he's a walking billboard for the company. But if you notice, due to the dire state of the economy, nobody has those huge endorsement deals at the moment. So it would be highly unlikely for Nike to sign one with Vick, considering that he is currently seen as damaged goods.

Look, this can change, and there is precedent for it. Both Kobe Bryant and Ray Lewis had brushes with the law and were temporarily dropped by the companies that paid them to endorse products. Once their legal troubles were over, they resumed employment with these outfits. However, at this point, Vick is far from a superstar. If he progresses from being a back-up QB of questionable caliber, then (and only then) will companies be interested. As of now, he's still a hot potato and a source of potential controversy. No PR conscious company in the world is going to take a chance on the guy, as it's too soon and the risk simply isn't worth it.