Kellogg’s: Sacking Phelps was just ‘coincidence’

Somebody doesn’t like their negative press… this just in, forwarded to me from an SSDP member:

I participated in e-mailing Kelloggs about Michael Phelps situation and I thought that you’d be interested in the responce that I received from Kellogg’s their e-mail to me is as follows: 

Thank you for contacting us regarding Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps and our decision not to extend his contract.

We regret that the intent of our message was not clear.  The contract was set to expire the end of February and with Michael’s obligations to us met, our decision not to extend the contract was for business reasons and in no way diminishes Michael’s status as an athlete.  We believe Michael has set a tremendous example through his work ethic and his accomplishments and are proud to have been associated with him.

The timing of this unfortunate incident and the end of the contract is purely coincidental. Again, thank you for the opportunity to share the facts of this situation.  

Sincerely,

Kathi Eckler

Director, Consumer Affairs

Oh, so now Michael Phelps photographed with a bong was just a ‘coincidence’, and you were just allowing his February contract to expire.  Which explains perfectly this statement from one week ago today:

“Michael’s most recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg. His contract expires at the end of February and we have made a decision not to extend his contract,” spokeswoman Susanne Norwitz said in a statement.

Technically, Ms. Eckler is not lying.  Phelps contract did expire in February.  Kellogg did not extend his contract for business reasons.  It’s just that the ‘business reason’ in question is Kellogg not wanting to be affiliated with someone who smokes marijuana.

Your marketing Jedi mind tricks are useless against us, young Padawan.  You could easily prove that you’re not cannabiphobic – sign on Santonio Holmes in Phelps place!  He did just win the Super Bowl, and Holmes has “set a tremendous example through his work ethic and his accomplishments”.  What do you say, Kellogg?