Advertisers back away from NBA's LA Clippers
Source: AP-Excite
By MARLEY JAY
NEW YORK (AP) Advertisers are backing away from the Los Angeles Clippers after racist comments attributed to the NBA team's owner.
Mercedes-Benz USA said Monday its dealerships are ending their sponsorship of the Clippers in the wake of comments allegedly made by the team's owner, Donald Sterling. Used car dealership chain CarMax, airline Virgin America, and the Chumash Casino Resort are doing the same.
Four other sponsors, Kia Motors America, energy drink maker Red Bull, hardwood flooring retailer Lumber Liquidators and Yokohama Tire, said they are suspending their advertising and sponsorship activities with the team. Yet another sponsor, insurer State Farm, said it "will be taking a pause in our relationship with the organization."
The Clippers declined to comment.
FULL story at link.
Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140428/clippers-sterling-sponsors-323c9f17f6.html
FILE - In this file photo taken on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, right, and V. Stiviano, left, watch the Clippers play the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles. Used car dealership chain CarMax says it is ending its sponsorship of the Clippers in the wake of racist comments attributed to Sterling. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)