15 Athlete Food Endorsement Fails Slideshow
Jaws dropped when the world's most bankable (married) athlete announced he had been unfaithful to his wife. In turn, Gatorade promptly dropped him in 2010.
Kobe and McDonald’s, Sprite, and Ferrero
After the Lakers star got caught carousing with another woman while in Vail for knee surgery, McDonald's, Sprite, and Ferrero, the Italian company that makes Nutella, cut ties with the NBA champion.
Magic Johnson and KFC
In 1991, the Laker shocked the public when he disclosed that he had contracted HIV after cheating on his wife. As a result, KFC let his contract run out.
Bode Miller and Barilla
The skier unabashedly partied his way through the 2006 Olympics in Turin. Pasta maker Barilla wasn't pleased and declined to renew his deal later that summer.
Barry Bonds and KFC
The tainted home run king struck out with KFC when his ongoing steroids controversy turned into a full-blown legal circus.
Michael Phelps and Kellogg’s
To no one's surprise, the cereal maker didn't feel that the record-setting gold medalist's pot-smoking evening fit with its wholesome image.
Michael Vick and Kraft and Coca-Cola
The Eagles quarterback landed in the doghouse with Kraft and Coca-Cola after he plead guilty to federal dogfighting charges in 2007.
Mike Tyson and Pepsi
Why did Diet Pepsi think it was a good idea to sign the volatile boxer in the first place? The union didn't last long. Tyson's deal with the soft-drink brand went flat in 1998 after accusations of spousal abuse.
Wayne Rooney and Coca-Cola and Tiger Beer
The Manchester United striker allegedly cheated on his pregnant wife with a hooker. Sponsors Coca-Cola and Tiger Beer promptly dropped the endorsement deadweight.
Ben Roethlisberger and Big Ben's Beef Jerky
Ben Roethlisberger's sexual assault allegations in 2010 left the owners of the company that produced Big Ben's Beef Jerky no choice but to end the relationship.
Lawrence Taylor and Nutrisystem
The retired Giant lost 35 pounds while pitching the weight loss product. After rape allegations in 2010, however, Taylor lost his endorsement deal for Nutrisystem, too.
David Beckham and Pepsi
In a surprise move in 2008, Mr. Posh Spice declined to renew his 10-year, $30 million contract. Perhaps he got tired of dressing up like a gladiator, cowboy, and surfer?
Roger Clemens and Coca-Cola
The Rocket has been caught under Major League Baseball's steroid cloud, so what use is he to the soft drink giant when he's tied up in court?
Brady Quinn and Myoplex
On New Year's Day 2008, the former Cleveland Brown quarterback was part of a group making homophobic remarks outside of a Columbus bar. The nutrition shake maker distanced itself from the struggling QB, who wasn't performing on the field either.
Jason Giambi and Pepsi
The 2000 American League MVP fell from marketing grace in 2004, after he confessed to using steroids. Pepsi decided to take its marketing dollars elsewhere and didn't renew his sponsorship.