Manny Pacquiao Just Did A Funny Thing After Being Dropped By Nike
Manny Pacquiao and Nike's relationship is over after the latter fired the boxer for his homophobic comments which he insists is only because of what the Bible says.
In his latest public appearance though, it seems nothing was severed between their business relationship.
The boxing star, who is set to fight Timothy Bradley in April, was pictured playing basketball wearing sophisticated Nike shoes. Playing pick up games is part of Manny's strengthening for his fight.
Daily Mail asked Nike about Manny Pacquiao's public appearance with their product and the company insisted that it has dropped the Filipino boxer.
Photos can be viewed here.
Pacquiao came under fire for saying same-sex marriage make LGBT community members worse than animals. Nike is among the first to take action against Pacman.
"We find Manny Pacquiao's comments abhorrent," a Nike spokesperson said in a statement. "Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind 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."
Pacquiao has since then apologized but insisted he is not condemning the LGBT but the act of them getting married.
"I am not condemning the LGBT (community)," the fighter said as per ABS-CBN. "What I am condemning is the act. I'm happier because I'm telling the truth ... It's worse if we will hide the truth. I'm happier that a lot of people were alarmed by the truth."
Right now, Manny Pacquiao is looking for a replacement for Nike as sponsor. According to reports from the Philippines, the 37-year-old is already talking to a multi-million dollar company.
"There are several already now in the pipeline," Pacquiao business manager Eric Pineda told AFP. "They (the Pacquiao camp) were actually negotiating with some already."
Manny Pacquiao - Timothy Bradley fight is on April 9 in what the latter says his last bout. He will step away from the sport to focus on his political career where he is currently running for a senatorial seat.