Sponsors Distancing Themselves From Joba After DUI Arrest

Dunkin' Donuts Says Deal With  Chamberlain Expired In August

While the Yankees are "standing behind" P Joba Chamberlain, who was arrested this past weekend in Nebraska on suspicion of driving under the influence, it "looks as if Dunkin' Donuts and Modell's Sporting Goods are distancing themselves" from him, according to Anthony Rieber of NEWSDAY. Chamberlain was featured in ad campaigns for the two companies during the '08 MLB season. But Dunkin' Donuts spokesperson Casey Corrigan wrote in an e-mail, "Dunkin's contract with Joba ran from June 15, 2008 through August 19, 2008." Modell's "also tried to distance itself" from Chamberlain -- Modell's Marketing Manger Victor Donato said, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention Modell's name" in any story about Chamberlain (NEWSDAY, 10/23). Modell's CEO Mitch Modell said in a statement the company is "fully supportive" of Chamberlain and noted he had "done tremendous work for a number of charitable organizations that help children" since joining the Yankees. Modell: "While this weekend’s incident was an obvious lack of good judgment in his young career, he regrets his mistake and we firmly stand by Joba as he works his way through this difficult period” (THE DAILY).