October 26, 2009
Nike has suspended its $8.2 million contract with Richmond City Councilman E. Martin “Marty” Jewell in the wake of his DUI arrest this weekend, the company said today.
Nike – which has 
fashioned Jewell’s suits and shoes since he signed with City Council in 2004 – said it will immediately halt sales of all Jewell-related clothing items and merchandise at its retail stores until further notice. Additionally, the company has stopped production on commercials featuring the city leader, who represents the Randolph and Byrd Park areas and a portion of the Southside. Richmond police said the 6-foot, 4-inch 5th District Councilman was pulled over early Saturday morning near his home and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
The recalled products include Nike’s line of Air Marty shoes, designed for maximum comfort “to the point of putting the wearer to sleep” during public meetings, as well as the Nike Jeweller XP4, a golfball that looks like it has a mustache.
“Nike is concerned by Mr. Jewell’s alleged behavior, and until we can fully understand the facts in this case we must take appropriate action to protect Nike’s reputation for high quality athletic- and local government official- products,” company spokeswoman Jill Beach said in a statement. Since Jewell has not been convicted of a crime, Nike left the door open to resume a relationship with the star councilman if he is acquitted.
The 62-year-old Jewell signed the lucrative endorsement deal with Nike in June 2005, forgoing a lesser contract with McDonald’s, which had planned to create the Big Marty: a sandwich that includes no meat but lots and lots of cheese.
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One of your best yet!!!