Sandwich chain Subway isn't dropping Olympian Michael Phelps as a sponsor yet — but it has removed all semblance of the swimmer from its website, and plans to delay its first TV campaign starring the gold medalist, which was originally slated for early 2009.
This is the fast-food chain's response after a photo broke last week of the Olympian smoking a bong. Immediately following the news, Kellogg's dropped its endorsement deal with the swimmer, and we wondered whether Phelps's other food sponsor, Subway, would follow the cereal maker's footsteps. Indeed, Phelps, who was all over the company's SubwayFreshBuzz website, which highlights "fresh celebrities," is no longer featured. The restaurant chain said in an official statement:
Like most Americans, and like Michael Phelps himself, we were disappointed in his behavior. Also, like most Americans, we accept his apology. Moving forward, he remains in our plans.
Considering the backlash that followed when Kellogg's dropped Phelps (a petition to boycott all of the brand's products), it's a smooth move on Subway's part to hang onto the swimmer, but have him lay low for a while. What's your opinion of the sandwich chain's strategy? Were you surprised they didn't end his endorsement deal?
Decleor
Taco Bell has had great success with their "fourth Meal" which I think is marketed to those late night tokers who smoked themselves a little hungry.
1A Phelps Phunny on the topic from SNL:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/56636/saturday-night-live-really-michael-phelp...
2I'd smoke with you Michael Phelps
3honestly - it's not like he's going around saying 'smoking weed is good' - which is what a lot of artists do it seems. he did something dumb, and owned up to it, and well that should be the worst thing
4obviously his sponsor companies are using him as an excuse to drop because they can no longer afford him in this economy....low blow....
5Hahaha, chiefdishwasher, you're so right. Doritos, Taco Bell, funyuns...they should all jump on the Phelps bandwagon.
6And Duncan Hines. Mmmmmmm, brownies!
7I don't care that he smoked pot... but what's with that picture?? Yeesh such a creepy smile. I am not looking forward to any Michael Phelps ads on TV, though - he's just so awkward on camera!
8I seem to recall how shocked we were that he could pack away 10,000 calories a day. Now we know how he kept his appetite up.
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