Magic Johnson blasts Pacquiao, lauds Nike decision
February 17, 2016 | 11:00pm
MANILA, Philippines – Shortly after Manny Pacquiao was knocked out of his sports endorsement deal, a sporting icon followed through with another shot at the boxer's image.
Retired National Basketball Association cager Earvin "Magic" Johnson also commended portswear giant Nike for severing ties with Pacquiao following the boxer's controversial remarks on same-sex couples.
I applaud Nike for terminating Manny Pacquiao's contract after his derogatory statements that gay people are worse than animals.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 18, 2016
Johnson, who steered the Los Angeles Lakers in the '80s to multiple NBA championships, was the first sporting figure to openly applaud the company's move to drop the boxer for the incendiary comments directed at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.
Pacquiao, who is due for a rematch with American Timothy Bradley, was on the hot seat Tuesday after baring his thoughts on same-sex marriage, asking "Have you seen any animal having male-to-male or female-to-female relations?"
The decorated boxer, who is juggling legislative duties for the province of Sarangani with his boxing stints, immediately apologized for his statements.
The Lakers legend-turned league analyst, meanwhile, was the first globally recognized athlete to openly applaud the sporting apparel's decision. He also urged a boycott of Pacquiao's fights.
I won't be watching another one of Manny Pacquiao's fights.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 18, 2016
Johnson also put in context his disappointment over Pacquiao's homophobic comments.
Fans of all walks of life including gay fans supported May/Pac fight putting $100M in his pocket. I guess to him their money is still green.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 18, 2016
Jason Collins, another retired NBA veteran, also took to Twitter to share his thoughts. He was most notable for being the first openly gay professional basketball player.
.@mannypacquiao I lost all respect for you. Bigoted people like you (& yes you are one) should never hold an office in politics. #ByeFelicia
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) February 16, 2016
In a official statement Thursday morning, Nike said Pacquiao's comments were "abhorrent."
"Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community," the statement read.
Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum, for his part, expressed that he, too, is siding with Nike. He even went as far as apologizing in behalf of his ward.
"Nike is in the business of selling its products to as wide of an audience as they can, and Manny's comments were insulting to a lot of people," Arum told ESPN.com.
RELATED: Toughest fight: Pacman vs ‘gayweather’
Sports business reporter Darren Rovell noted that this hasn't been Nike's first instance to cut ties with a brand endorser.
Sports business reporter Darren Rovell noted that this hasn't been Nike's first instance to cut ties with a brand endorser.
In last 3 1/2 years, Nike has terminated contracts of Lance Armstrong, Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Oscar Pistorius & Manny Pacquiao
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 17, 2016
Renowned cyclist Lance Armstrong was dropped by the brand in October 2012 for doping issues, while NFL star Ray Rice was shown the door in 2014 for domestic violence. But what would be the most unforgettable was the termination of amputee Olympian Oscar Pistorius, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend on Valentine's Day of 2013.
It also worth noting though that Nike stuck it out with some of its beleaguered brand ambassadors.
The company stood by Tiger Woods' side in 2011 even after the breakout of the golfer's infidelity scandal. NFL quarterback Michael Vick, too, was never dropped from the pool of endorsers despite his records of assault, child abuse and dogfighting.
Also went unscathed was Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, who was the subject of a publicized sexual assault case in 2003.
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