Denver-Area Ford Dealer's Choice Not To Renew With Von Miller Isn't Tied To Protest

Broncos LB Von Miller "did not lose an endorsement deal" with Denver-based Phil Long Ford dealerships after protesting during the national anthem Sunday, "despite media reports to the contrary," according to Nicki Jhabvala of the DENVER POST. Denver-based KOAA-NBC first reported yesterday that Miller "had been 'fired' from his deal with Phil Long because of his protest but Miller has not had an agreement with the dealership for nearly six months." Miller’s previous deal "expired in March." There had been "talks about a renewal, but nothing had materialized." Miller was among 32 Broncos players who "took a knee during the national anthem." Last season, Broncos LB Brandon Marshall followed the lead Colin Kaepernick and "knelt for seven games to bring attention to the matter." His actions "resulted in the loss of two endorsements deals" -- Air Academy Federal Credit Union and CenturyLink -- and he "received numerous hate-filled and threatening messages" (DENVER POST, 9/26).