USA Gymnastics is poised to lose four key sponsors in the wake of a sexual abuse scandal involving a former team doctor. Procter & Gamble, Kellogg’s, Under Armour and Hershey’s reportedly no longer want to associate themselves with the troubled governing body.
Responding to a report on Thursday, USA Gymnastics confirmed that Procter & Gamble and Kellogg’s had completed their sponsorship contracts. On Friday, ESPN reported that Under Armour and Hershey’s will not renew their deals with the organization.
Under Armour signed an eight-year deal in 2013 to provide performance apparel, footwear and accessories to the team through the 2020 Summer Olympics and is said to be ending its deal more than two years early.
Procter & Gamble has been the biggest sponsor of USA Gymnastics since 2013, while Kellogg’s sponsored national tours. “We will evaluate whether to renew our partnership next spring, in light of our longer term priorities and continued actions on their part,” Procter & Gamble spokesperson Tressie Rose said in a statement to Reuters.
“We support the actions USA Gymnastics has taken thus far, including accepting the recommendations by an independent expert and hiring a new Safe Sport Director. We want to ensure all voices who have been affected by abuse have been heard and that USAG takes all measures necessary to address such vitally important issues.” Kellogg’s did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
USA Gymnastics expressed optimism both companies would remain involved as sponsors. “Although our contract for the last term with Kellogg’s and Procter & Gamble ended in 2016 and 2017, respectively, we are exploring opportunities with both companies about joining with us in further building a culture of empowerment,” it said in a statement.
USA Gymnastics’ former team doctor Larry Nassar pleaded guilty in a Michigan court to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct last month.
Olympic champions Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas are among those who have said they had been sexually abused by Nassar.
On Friday, three women who were allegedly abused by Nassar – Jamie Dantzscher, Jeanette Antolin and Jessica Howard – said in a statement: “Procter & Gamble and Kellogg’s have decided they can no longer support an organization which refuses to take responsibility for the crimes committed by their National Team doctor and their failure to warn others of his criminal conduct.
“Hershey’s, Under Armour, AT&T, United Airlines and NBC Sports should put their money where America’s conscience is and withdraw their financial support of this organization until their officers and directors are replaced by people who will protect the health and safety of child athletes.”