Nike is separating itself from Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in the wake of his indictment this week on federal dogfighting charges, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The athletic apparel company was prepared to release the brand new Zoom Vick V shoe in retail stores next month, but that was before the feds lowered the hammer on the NFL star with charges of procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines.
In a statement released Thursday, Nike said it will not terminate Vick’s contract because he “should be afforded the same due process as any citizen.” But it is suspending release of the shoe because it is “concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations” against Vick and considers “any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent.”
Nike launched its relationship with Vick when he entered the NFL in 2001. Its fifth signature shoe from the football player was to arrive in stores Aug. 23 for a retail price of $100.