Nike ended its relationship with with Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday (Feb. 17), following derogatory comments the boxers made toward same-sex couples.
During an interview on Filipino TV, Manny compared homosexuals to animals, while condemning same-sex relationships. "Have you seen any animal having male-to-male or female-to-female relations?" Pacquiao said. "If you have male-to-male or female-to-female [relationships], then people are worse than animals."
Though Pac-Man later backpeddled, releasing a statement apologizing, Nike has opted to terminate their endorsement contract with the boxer, after more than eight years.
"We find Manny Pacquiao's comments abhorrent," the company said in a statement. "Nikestrongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community."
Few Pacquiao products were ever released to market during the deal. Instead, the Swoosh was predominantly displayed on his boxing trunks and shoes during his fights, as well as providing him with training gear.
Pacquiao is currently set to fight Timothy Bradley on April 9, which is expected to be his last.
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