Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson. AFP FILE PHOTO
Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson supported Nike’s decision to drop boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao after the Filipino’s derogatory remarks toward gay people.
“I applaud Nike for terminating Manny Pacquiao’s contract after his derogatory statements that gay people are worse than animals,” Johnson posted on Twitter Thursday.
Pacquiao, a devout Christian, caused a stir worldwide for saying that gays and lesbians are worse than animals, a comment which prompted Nike to drop the boxer from its roster of athletes.
Nike launched a Be True campaign in support of gay marriage in the United States.
Johnson added gay people contributed to the more than $300 million in ticket and pay-per-view sales of Pacquiao’s fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. last year.
“Fans of all walks of life including gay fans supported May/Pac fight putting up $100 million in his pocket. I guess to him their money is still green,” Johnson also tweeted.
Johnson, who is a boxing fan, has watched several of Pacquiao’s fights including one of the four against Juan Manuel Marquez and the Mayweather bout, but it’s safe to say he won’t be there in the Filipino’s final against Timothy Bradley.
“I won’t be watching another one of Manny Pacquiao’s fights.”