Nike's long-running business relationship with Manny Pacquiao came to an end yesterday after the boxer said that gay people are "worse than animals" in an interview earlier this week. In an official statement, Nike called Pacquiao's comments "abhorrent" and pointed to its history of standing up for the LGBT community.
Now, Pacquiao has responded, saying he respects the brand's choice. "Whatever decision Nike makes is its decision and I respect that and its sponsorship of me now only involves my clothes for my fight. Our contract has already ended aside from sponsoring the boxing" Pacquiao told AP while training for his upcoming bout against Timothy Bradley.
While Pacquiao might respect the Swoosh's decision, it doesn't sound like he's learned much of a lesson here, as the boxing legend also said that he's happy "a lot of people were alarmed by the truth." C'mon dude, really?
Pacquiao has long stood by his stance on gay marriage, which is a result of his Evangelical Protestantism religious beliefs. However, his latest episode of intolerance could prove to be the most costly yet.
