Pacquiao accepts sponsorship KO by Nike over ‘abhorrent’ gay slur

Multinational sportswear company Nike has cancelled its contract with Philippine boxing megastar Manny Pacquiao over remarks he made in recent days saying that gays were “worse than animals”. In a statement obtained by US media, the company said: “We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent. Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community.” Pacquiao has apologised for causing offence and said he accepted Nike’s decision.

It’s just common sense. Do you see any animals of the same sex mating? Animals are better off, they can distinguish between male and female.

Manny Pacquiao

However, he said he stood by his opposition to same-sex marriage and added he’s happy that “a lot of people were alarmed by the truth”. The Bible-quoting Pacquiao, 37, has become an active Christian in recent years and has publicly declared his opposition to same-sex unions. Even his American boxing promoter Bob Arum has criticized Pacquiao. "What he’s saying is diametrically opposed to what I believe,“ said Arum, who is promoting Pacquiao’s upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley. "I’m in favor of gay rights and same-sex marriage. I’m apologetic personally to the gay movement in the United States.”

Whatever decision Nike makes is its decision and I respect that and its sponsorship of me now only involves my clothes for my fight.

Pacquiao

Nike Pacquiao