Nike terminates 10-year relationship with Pacquiao over homophobic comments

Nike has ended their contract with Manny Pacquiao, because of the homophobic comments he made on television in the Phillipines. The eight-weight world champion stirred up controversy, after he said gay people are “worse than animals” in a program broadcast by TV5.

Pacquiao, who will step into the ring for one last time later this year against Timothy Bradley on April 9 in Las Vegas, has since apologized for his remarks. However, Nike have decided to terminate their 10-year relationship with the boxer.

“We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” a Nike statement released on Wednesday read. 

“Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kinds and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community.

“We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.”