Nike Suspends Release Of Michael Vick Shoe
Air Zoom Vick V Was Due In Stores This Summer
POSTED: 12:36 pm MST July 19,
2007
UPDATED: 2:20 pm MST July 19,
2007
ATLANTA -- Michael Vick's legal troubles prompted Nike on Thursday to suspend the release of its latest product line named after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.
Nike has told retailers it will not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer and released the following statement:"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."Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick's name will remain in stores. Vick will be arraigned next week in a Richmond, Va., federal courtroom on charges of sponsoring a gruesome dogfighting operation.Stoyer said the company still has a standing contract with Vick but declined to speculate on his future with Nike. Vick signed his current contract with Nike in 2001, the same year Atlanta chose him as the NFL's No. 1 overall draft pick.
| Team Will Do 'Right Thing' Regarding Vick |
Previous Stories:
- July 18, 2007: Federal Grand Jury Indicts QB Michael Vick
- July 6, 2007: Feds Outline Alleged Dogfighting At Vick's Home
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