Yesterday, THE SPORTS BUSINESS DAILY contacted a number of
Nancy Kerrigan's corporate sponsors to see if the recent
controversy surrounding her relationship with ProServ President
Jerry Solomon is having any effect on existing deals. At
present, her sponsors are holding steady and no one indicated any
changes are in the offing.
REEBOK: Stacey Sheridan, Public Relations Manager for
Reebok Int'l: "It would reflect no changes for us. It will go
on as usual." Kerrigan introduces a video next week for the
Reebok slide exercise program.
CAMPBELL SOUP: According to Kevin Lowery, Dir of Public
Information for Campbell's Soup, Kerrigan's contract with the
company runs through December 31, 1994, and there are no plans or
discussions to re-sign her. Lowery did note that Campbell's is a
major sponsor of the U.S. Figure Skating Association, of which
Kerrigan is no longer a member since she turned professional.
MATTEL: Lisa McKendall, Dir of Marketing Communications for
the toy-maker, said, while Mattel had announced last year plans
for a Nancy Kerrigan doll, nothing has been produced yet. Mattel
wanted to introduce the doll at the end of this year, but it has
been delayed. McKendall: "We are looking at the best way to do
it. We think next year possesses more opportunities for us."
Asked if the recent stories on Kerrigan's personal life would
have an effect on production, McKendall said, "That wouldn't
necessarily have an effect."
RAY-BAN: Norman Salik, VP Advertising and Promotions at
Bausch & Laumb, strongly backed Kerrigan as a sponsor, but did
note her role with Ray-Ban is "very small, really it is just
promotional materials." Salik: "Knowledgeable people in the
sport still support her. ... I was concerned about what would
happen (at the "Ice Wars") and she still got the biggest hand.
She got the biggest hand of any skater out there. That is
telling me something."
REVLON: A spokesperson had no comment (THE DAILY).
