Should Nike sponsor Gatlin?

[Tuariki]

While there is nothing illegal about Nike sponsoring Gatlin, it does, in my opinion, send an unsavory message about the priorities of Nike. Clearly in their chase for revenue dollar they are happy to support convicted dopers.

While I am sure Nike don't give a toss about me as a customer I have now changed my mind about buying the Nike Zoom HJ III High and Rotational VI Throwing shoes that I need for the next season's Masters.

[Dickson]

While there is nothing illegal about Nike sponsoring Gatlin, it does, in my opinion, send an unsavory message about the priorities of Nike. Clearly in their chase for revenue dollar they are happy to support convicted dopers.

While I am sure Nike don't give a toss about me as a customer I have now changed my mind about buying the Nike Zoom HJ III High and Rotational VI Throwing shoes that I need for the next season's Masters.

Boy I'm glad I've never broke any rules or did anything illegal, how about you?

I'll confess I simply don't care what these athletes do, hell we were doing speed in HS football. I seriously doubt we have seen one football game/track meet where somebody out there wasn't on something in the last 50 years.

[GHM]

My 2 cents.

Do not punish yourself and your goal because of some company chooses a spoke person you do not like. If "Nike Zoom HJ III High and Rotational VI Throwing shoes" help you win then go ahead and buy them.

[olorin]

While there is nothing illegal about Nike sponsoring Gatlin, it does, in my opinion, send an unsavory message about the priorities of Nike. Clearly in their chase for revenue dollar they are happy to support convicted dopers.

While I am sure Nike don't give a toss about me as a customer I have now changed my mind about buying the Nike Zoom HJ III High and Rotational VI Throwing shoes that I need for the next season's Masters.

So you are going to boycott the company that sponsors most of T&F athletes (especially in the US but not only) because they not share your opinion that the penalty for doping offense should be for life?
I am sure that most athletes will be so grateful for your views.

[ATK]

I don't see any difference from what their priorities were before. Making the most money possible selling sports apparel.

[beebee]

The dude paid his debt in accordance to IAAF rules and might well be at this time one of the most marketable track and field athletes in the U.S.
This is a prime example why so many felons become repeat offenders...
Some people do not believe in second chances.

[booond]

It's okay that Nike and most other sport shoe manufacturers exploit thousands of human beings in their sweatshops but have them sponsor a man who paid his debt to society and suddenly you're part of a boycott. You should be so proud.

[18.99s]

Nike isn't the only company sponsoring T&F athletes. Boycotting them means another sponsor can get the money.

[beebee]

It's okay that Nike and most other sport shoe manufacturers exploit thousands of human beings in their sweatshops but have them sponsor a man who paid his debt to society and suddenly you're part of a boycott. You should be so proud.

Did not once mention Nike...
My focus was regarding denying a person the right to redemption and to make a living.
Unless you can point out rules or laws being broken you're just howling at the moon.

[booond]

Wasn't quoting you.

[Mr Lover Lover]

Its about time that he should be forgiven

[meatball]

i don't post alot alot of stuff here because i don't like to get into pissing contests, 1st of all Gatlin served his time ,how come people aren't complaining about Gay's lite sentence, 2ndly Gatlin's 1st offense was for taking ritalin, for add hardly a steroid although banned substance. he's been running great and deserves a sponsor.

[olorin]

Nike isn't the only company sponsoring T&F athletes. Boycotting them means another sponsor can get the money.

Nike spend on T&F more than any other company in the world. Without Nike it is doubtful that track and field will exist as a professional sport in the US.
But since your major issue is with the IAAF that lets Gatlin to compete I am sure that you will boycott all T&F competitions that are organized by the IAAF.

[gh]

Apparel companies regularly hand out contracts to actual felons in all kinds of ball sports every day and nobody blinks.

The negative reaction to Gatlin is simply another example of the sport devouring its own young.

[Dave]

Apparel companies regularly hand out contracts to actual felons in all kinds of ball sports every day and nobody blinks.

The negative reaction to Gatlin is simply another example of the sport devouring its own young.

Touché, there needs to be more recognized faces in American track. I am glad we have Rupp and now we have Gatlin back.