Mendenhall To Sue Over Lost Endorsement Deal

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall isn’t happy with losing an endorsement deal.

KDKA-TV’s Ken Rice has learned that Mendenhall will sue Champion Athletic’s parent company, Hanesbrands, for ending his endorsement deal.

Champion cut ties with Mendenhall because of his controversial tweets that questioned the celebration of Osama bin Laden’s death in May.

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/07/18/mendenhall-to-sue-over-lost-endorsement-deal/

Well you certainly can't go through life popping off at the mouth thinking there aren't going to be an repercussions for it. Your mouth made a comment that made your endorsing company look bad (whether real or perceived). At that point, they aren't going to keep you around.

Maybe this will be the lesson you need to keep your mouth shut. And if this doesn't work we can either have Wally or Buddha .

I can't believe he's suing. I'd like know on what grounds?

A company hires athletes because of their image. People come to associate the athlete with the company. So if an athlete does something to tarnish their image, the company no longer wants to be associated with them. It happens all the time, even with bigger names than Mendy (Tiger, Kobe).

Instead of filing the lawsuit, Mendy should have just let it go. After Harrison's comments and the NFL lockout nearing an end, I think most people had more or less forgotten about Mendy's comments.

He won't win.

Buddha Bus wrote:

He won't win.

In this day in age...really, think about that. You never know the thought process of people in the legal system anymore.

stlrtruck wrote:

Buddha Bus wrote:

He won't win.

In this day in age...really, think about that. You never know the thought process of people in the legal system anymore.

You do have a point. I'll rephrase.... he shouldn't win.

There's nothing that presents him with a victory. This will either be thrown out of court or it will be settled out of court.

steelerdude15 wrote:

There's nothing that presents him with a victory. This will either be thrown out of court or it will be settled out of court.

I think a settlement is the most likely outcome, unfortunately.

I'm really starting to dislike Mendenhall. I haven't felt this way about a Steelers player since Kordell.

Wallace108 wrote:

I'm really starting to dislike Mendenhall. I haven't felt this way about a Steelers player since Kordell.

You and me both!

Obviously the kid missed the meeting about what it means to be a Steeler.

I don't hate the guy for having an opinion. I don't necessarily agree with him, but he's still a Steeler and a damn good ball-player. I'm sure there are far dumber and more morally devoid guys on the team than him who you don't hear from. He may be misinformed, uneducated, overly opinionated or just plain wrong, but at least he's not in trouble with the law or hurting anyone (other than possibly his own image). I still support him as a player, even if I don't agree with all of his opinions.

I'm not ready to jettison him just yet. Now, if he fumbles another Super Bowl away.....