AirTran sacks Michael Vick

[napi21]

Atlanta Business Chronicle - 9:00 AM EDT Friday, June 1, 2007
AirTran Airways is not renewing its contract with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, according to Atlanta Business Chronicle broadcast partner 11Alive.

Orlando, Fla.-based AirTran (NYSE: AAI) said Vick's contract expired May 8, and the marketing department is going in a new direction. Since 2004, billboards and radio spots have featured Vick.

The move comes after a string of bad publicity for Vick. In fall there was fan backlash when he made an obscene gesture after a game. In January, airport security detained Vick for a water bottle with a secret compartment. And now there is an investigation into whether Vick is involved in dogfighting.

Airtran will not say those incidents caused the split, but admitted it has endured some strong feedback from customers.

"It's sad," said Tad Hutcheson, director of marketing for AirTran. "We really like Michael Vick. He did a great job as a celebrity spokesperson for AirTran Airways. He sold an awful lot of tickets for AirTran Airways. You would not believe how many people would buy tickets from AirTran Airways because Michael Vick flew AirTran, and Michael Vick endorsed AirTran Airways. It's bittersweet."

While AirTran won't tell what they were paying Vick, free air travel is a common perk of endorsement deals. The airline will continue it's ad campaign with Falcons running back Warrick Dunn.

AirTran hubs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.


http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2007/05/28/daily24.html?f=et50&hbx=e_du

Moron shot himself in the foot! I'm thinking he's not going to be a Falcon for much longer!

[Parche]

1. AIRTRAN

AirTran rocks

[Marnieworld]

2. And so it begins

The writing is on the wall and they are fortunate that the contract expired when it did.

[shadowrider]

3. He's an idiot

From the article: "The move comes after a string of bad publicity for Vick."

It wasn't bad publicity, it was stupid, boneheaded moves with no thought to consequences. The Falcons need to trade him IMHO. He's a distraction

[peaches2003]

4. Who wants him?

With his salary and bad behavior he will be hard to trade. Wish he would get out of Atlanta.