Rashard Mendenhall Loses Champion Endorsement Over Osama bin Laden Tweets

» by Randy Roper May 6, 2011, 14:48pm

Rashard Mendenhall Loses Endorsement With Champion Over Osama bin Laden Tweets

If Rashard Mendenhall had to do it all over again, he probably would have never released his controversial comments about Osama bin Laden this week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers running back was dropped as an endorser by corporate sponsor Champion on Thursday.

Champion is "ending our business relationship" with the running back, stating that the brand doesn't feel he "can appropriately represent Champion," said spokesman Matt Hall to Game On!

Mendenhall's comments were, “What kind of person celebrates death? It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side…”

He later followed those comments with, “I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style.”

The 23-year-old football player received immediate backlash, and the Pittsburgh Steelers organization has since distanced themselves from Mendenhall, in a statement from President Art Rooney II, saying, “I have not spoken with Rashard so it is hard to explain or even comprehend what he meant with his recent Twitter comments."

Mendenhall was an endorser for Champion from 2008-2011, and recently signed a 4-year contract extension to endorse the brand through 2015.

The amount of money that Mendenhall lost due to his Twitter diarrhea wasn't reported, but it goes without saying that his tweets weren't worth it.

They should have never gave you football players Twitter.

MORE HIP-HOP WIRED NEWS AND VIDEO

Permanent Link to Dr. Steve Perry Gives Advice To Obama, Talks Bill Cosby & Russell Simmons Beef And New Book

Videos We Like

UPS Is Hiring: 9 Signs You Are A Struggle Rapper

Wired 25: The 25 Most Important People In Hip-Hop Under 25

Bentley Debuts EXP 9F Super SUV Concept [PHOTOS]

Just Because: Gifs of Disappointed Rappers [PHOTOS]

Bangin Candy: Miss Apple Bottom Jessenia Vice [PHOTOS]

« Previous Story Next Story »

Hip-Hop Wired Presents: A Tribute To BET Uncut

Get A J.R. Smith's-Eye View Of Tahiry From The Bedroom [PHOTOS]

Shiny Suits: 10 Of The Oddest Lawsuits In Hip-Hop History

Finally Famous : 10 Rappers With Pasts They Wish We Would Forget About

Nas Talks Stepping To Tupac & Death Row In Central Park [VIDEO]

« Previous Story Next Story »

'Escort' Who Dropped Dime On Secret Service Goes Into Hiding [PHOTOS]

EXCLUSIVE: YMCMB Photographer Derick G. Describes How He Got On [VIDEO]

Exclusive: Fat Joe Talks Repping The Bronx & Bringing French Montana To Hot 97 [VIDEO]

Metta World Peace And 12 Of The Greatest Elbows Ever

« Previous Story Next Story »

Stories We Like

Sexiest Pictures Of The Women That Broke Rappers’ Hearts

Top Natural Hair Salon Owners

Our 7 Favorite HBO Shows...Ever

The Top 10 Nastiest Breakups In Hip-Hop

Swizzy’s Side-Piece Christina Elizabeth Comes Clean

« Previous Story Next Story »

Schools That Generate The Most/Least Debt For Grads

Blacks in the Book: 7 Interesting World Record Breakers

Hmmm… Ciara Is Tweeting Subliminals Too

Meet The Craziest Sports Wives And Girlfriends

Schools That Generate The Most/Least Debt For Grads

« Previous Story Next Story »

Signs You're On Your Way To Being A Baby Mama

Films Rebooted With African American Stars

Songs Simon Cowell Says You Shouldn't Attempt To Sing

Why I'm Not Mad At Serena Williams

Amber Rose Heads To The Motherland To Teach The Babies

« Previous Story Next Story »

mickey

its sad that this guy is being punished for having his own mind. We should all be able to express ourselves in regards to world event without the worry of loss of income.
John

Freedom of speech should be removed from the constitution.
Jennifer

John is exactly right. Rashard had the right to express his opinion without government interference but not without accepting the consequences. You can call someone's wife a ho and not get arrested but don't be surprised if you get punched in the mouth. Free speech doesn't mean people can't object to what you say...