Olympic Athletes- Your Morals Matter: Just Ask Michael Phelps

It has become a classic case these days- that darn internet and what we allow on it publicly can come back to bite you- right in the pocketbook! Just ask Olympic swimming gold medal winner Michael Phelps. 

When Phelps was revealed in a photo where it appeared he was using a bong Kellogg's decided to end the marketing contract they had with him. They felt it portrayed him in a negative likeness that did not correspond to his Olympian profile. 

Understandably businesses tend to shrink  away from individuals who would put their integroty as a business in jeopardy. Kellogg's reputation is that they be represented by those who are positive role models.

Unfortunately Phelps' actions have become like a domino game resulting in poor choices that have cost him credibility in the public eye.

Morals clauses are common place in many endorsement deals for Olympic athletes. A company desires for those marketing their products and company to portray a positive image as it reflects on both the athlete and the company.Olymi

Reference: http://blogs.reuters.com/mediafile/2009/02/06/kellogg-drops-phelps-after-photos/

Photo cred: http://101easy.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/michael-phelps-smoking-pot-weed-marijuana.jpg?w=199