Champion has dropped Rashard Mendenhall as an endorser in the wake of his tweets about Osama Bin Laden this week. Champion dropping Mendenhall will be one of many endorsement deals he figures to lose.
According to the USA today, Mendenhall recently signed a 4-year contract extension to endorse Champion athletic wear through 2015. That extended a 3-year deal with the unit of Hanesbrands first inked in 2008.
“Champion is a strong supporter of the government’s efforts to fight terrorism and is very appreciative of the dedication and commitment of the U.S. Armed Forces. Earlier this week, Rashard Mendenhall, who endorses Champion products, expressed personal comments and opinions regarding Osama bin Laden and the September 11 terrorist attacks that were inconsistent with the values of the Champion brand and with which we strongly disagreed. In light of these comments, Champion was obliged to conduct a business assessment to determine whether Mr. Mendenhall could continue to effectively communicate on behalf of and represent Champion with consumers. While we respect Mr. Mendenhall’s right to express sincere thoughts regarding potentially controversial topics, we no longer believe that Mr. Mendenhall can appropriately represent Champion and we have notified Mr. Mendenhall that we are ending our business relationship. Champion has appreciated its association with Mr. Mendenhall during his early professional football career and found him to be a dedicated and conscientious young athlete. We sincerely wish him all the best.”
Source: USA Today