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Kobe Bryant Regains Nike Endorsements

By Jeralyn, Section Kobe Bryant Case
Posted on Wed Jul 13, 2005 at 07:54:59 PM EST
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The L.A. Times reports that Kobe Bryant's "star is rising" again. He has regained his Nike endorsements.

So last week's ad represented something more than just a sleek pitch for sneakers. With its striking approach -- as if Bryant were facing his detractors, at least in basketball terms -- marketing experts say it was a canny means of testing the waters of public opinion, if not a first step in rebuilding the player's image.

"I think enough time has passed," said Doug Shabelman, senior vice president of Burns Entertainment & Sports Marketing in Evanston, Ill. "And the way they used him in the ad - it's a muted advertisement. It's quiet, calm."

The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault objects. I think it's appropriate. Kobe was never convicted of a crime and the accuser's story had more holes than swiss cheese. He should not be penalized any more. The accuser got her money in the civil action, why shouldn't he get his? At least he works for it.

More on the Nike endorsement here.

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    Kobe Bryant Regains Nike Endorsements | 4 comments (4 topical)
    Re: Kobe Bryant Regains Nike Endorsements (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:12 PM EST
    "At least he works for it." You think the oldest profession isn't work? How...quaint

    Re: Kobe Bryant Regains Nike Endorsements (none / 0) (#2)
    by pigwiggle on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:12 PM EST
    “The accuser got her money in the civil action, why shouldn't he get his?” I think the more interesting question is how immoral is too immoral for the face of Nike et al. Kobe sleeps around on his wife and then drags her (and their child) through the spotlight with a few carats. What a zero.

    Re: Kobe Bryant Regains Nike Endorsements (none / 0) (#3)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:12 PM EST
    What hypocrisy! Seriously where was all this indignation when Ray Lewis was on trial for double murder, got acquitted and received more endorsements than before. Allen Iverson had brushes with the law and endorses products. Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal cheat on their wives and they got to endorse products. What makes Kobe worse than them? Face it NONE of these people are pure they are there to sell a product so spare me the "morality" here. Bottom line is folks in business know they sell regardless of their flaws and that's all they care about. I don't believe he raped her all he's guilty of is bad judgment and being an adulterer not the first and not the last person celeb or otherwise to do so. That being said I doubt you would like it if all your flaws and secrets were out in the public for those to judge. If he and his wife got past it so be it its their business. He didn't drag her to do anything if she wanted to leave and take their child with them she could if she wanted to but she didn't for whatever reason. It was her choice as hard as it is for some to fathom I'm sure.

    Re: Kobe Bryant Regains Nike Endorsements (none / 0) (#4)
    by Quaker in a Basement on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:12 PM EST
    One hopes that Nike will forego its usual trademark slogan in advertisements featuring Mr. Bryant.

    Kobe Bryant Regains Nike Endorsements | 4 comments (4 topical)