Subway De-links Michael Phelps As They Prepare to Drop Sponsorship
Exclusive! Subway has officially de-linked Michael Phelps as they prepare to drop his recently announced sponsorship deal. Before Michael’s bong hits hit the headlines, Michael Phelps was featured on the Subway web site. However, since the swimmer’s pothead scandal, Subway has removed all links to pages featuring the Olympic swimmer (see below).
Confidentially, the Subway webteam gave us the heads up — Michael Phelps has been remmed out, de-linked, due to his recent one toke over the line. Other Subway “celebrity friends” are still listed, like Jared, Ryan Howard and Reggie Bush — but they have been told to officially de-link all references featuring Michael (click below to see larger):
In an e-mail from Subway spokeswoman Megan Driscoll, she said: “Subway is not commenting or releasing a statement right now on Michael Phelps.” However, in de-linking all references to Michael Phelps, this is Subway corporate as they prepare for dropping their sponsorship. Our insider told us Subway execs are pissed off, talking to legal, want their endorsement money returned — and to “get rid of this embarrassment.”
And, here’s the thing, Subway just signed Michael on November 21st! Here’s what they said at the time:
“SUBWAY(R) takes pride in being a healthy and active brand – one that can be a regular part of these world class athletes’ routines,” states Tony Pace, Chief Marketing Officer of the SUBWAY Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust (SFAFT), which signed the contract with Phelps. “We knew Michael Phelps was a big fan of our sandwiches and we wanted to build on that with him to illustrate that SUBWAY(R) is a brand that can play a role in helping everyone – from elite athletes to weekend joggers – perform at their peak levels and make healthier, smarter choices about food, whatever the activity.”
And being a “healthy and active brand” does not mean associating themselves with a goofy pothead, regardless of Olympic medals… Right now, Jared is laughing and nodding, knowing that job security is sweet.
UPDATE: Until Michael Phelps returns to the Subway website or ever appears in any advertising, we stand by our insider, instead of any spin doctor spokesperson.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
No more Kellogs or Subway for my family.
Generic cereals and Quiznos from now on.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I may not agree with Michael Phelps for what he did, but hay, “how many of us have not screwed up in life at least once or twice”? Leave him alone, the guy made a mistake. no body is perfect, lets get on with our lives.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I think it is amazing that someone who has accomplished such feats as Phelps has, is treated this way over one mistake. While at the same time an acknowledged pot smoker is being hailed as the new Messiah. I am speaking of our President. He has admitted to smoking pot and enjoying it in his younger days. That would be when he was around the same age Phelps is now. I wonder if either company contributed to the Obama campaign?
February 9th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Man, I just had a great Subway sandwich today, too. I sent them a long letter via their website, but I’m fearing I’ll have to drop my 2-3x a week habit.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:37 am
the only time i eat subway is when im nice n toasty. subway is about to go dowhill. there sandwiches did about five years ago anyways.
February 10th, 2009 at 3:37 am
[...] Heroes? She’s only 8 Smoke in, Money Out Switch immediately, don’t ask…just do it Date [...]
February 11th, 2009 at 9:14 am
If you seek a Subway and / or some cardboard flakes ….
February 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I feel so helpless that there’s nothing i can do to stand up for this man.I was furious when i heard him referred to as seedy and low life. like smoking pot somehow belittles his amazing accomplishments. I am ashamed to be apart of such a bureaucratic society I highly doubt Kellogg’s would not have severed tied with the fridge had he got DWI. If Obama dose not step in and put and end to this never ending refer madness view off marijuana and people who indulge he will NOT be getting my support or vote for reelection .