Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle
(Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw / @gettysport)
On Sunday, several pro athletes pumped their fists and took a knee during the National Anthem. Many plan to continue the trend. A few days prior, Denver Broncos’ Brandon Marshall, joined in the protest that was started by Colin Kaepernick. Unfortunately as a result of standing up what he believed in, Marshall has lost two of his endorsement deals.
Shortly after Thursday’s game it was announced that the Air Academy Federal Credit Union parted ways with Marshall. Now on Monday, it has been revealed that cable company, CenturyLink, has terminated their endorsement contract.
“I just lost another endorsement,” Marshall said. “But it’s not going to make me lose any sleep. … I understand there will be things that come up, criticism and support. I just have to do what I think is right.”
CenturyLink said in a statement, “America is anchored in the right of individuals to express their beliefs. While we acknowledge Brandon’s right, we also believe that whatever issues we face, we also occasionally must stand together to show our allegiance to our common bond as a nation. In our view, the national anthem is one of those moments. For this reason, while we wish Brandon the best this season, we are politely terminating our agreement with him.”
This is why it’s important for ALL of these NFL players who feel strongly enough about the case to stick together. Endorsers can’t drop ALL of them. These brands pay millions for popular athletes to wear/endorse their product. They need these athletes as much, if not more, than the athletes need them. If they all stick together in protest, none of them would lose a check. If a brand pulls all of their high profile clients, who would advertise for them? They can’t silence you all. In my opinion, Black Americans should start boycotting these companies that are pulling away from athletes who are standing up for us.
