The drama surrounding Antonio Brown continues to build, as Nike has reportedly ended its relationship with the New England Patriots wide receiver. According to a very brief statement given to the Boston Globe (via Pro Football Talk), Nike simply said that Brown is not a Nike athlete, and would not get into the specifics on why or how he was no longer with the company.
According to sources close to Pro Football Talk, Nike had been planning to terminate their relationship with Brown prior to last week’s civil lawsuit issue. Apparently, Nike had been concerned about Brown fulfilling his duties to their contract, specifically when it came to personal appearances that Brown would have to make.
This isn’t the first time that Brown having troubles fulfilling his obligations to companies has popped up. The lawsuit filed by Britney Taylor earlier the month also makes reference to this, noting that Brown had “trouble balancing the responsibilities he had arising out of his many endorsement deals, including with Campbell’s Soup, Nike, Pepsi, Pizza Hut, AT&T/DirecTV, and Rite Aid, among others.”
According to Taylor, she claims that Brown would routinely show up late to various events, and that she would help him honor those requirements under his deals.
In another report by the Boston Globe, it was revealed that Brown’s deal with Pepsi ended earlier this year. His business relationships with Pizza Hut and Campbell’s Soup also expired this year, and last week, Xenith also ended its relationship with Brown. As Brown continues to try and play without any distractions, the many businesses he's partnered with seem to be pulling away from the star receiver.
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