BMW reviewing Muslim rugby superstar’s sponsorship due to photo with Mufti Menk

[Penguin]

Sponsorship money is 'free' money to a person for that person to promote a brand or strengthen a brand-image. This means the receiving person has to do X things (e.g. wear logo, endorse sponsor, do meetings etc) and refrain from Y things (e.g drug use, paedophilia, expressing political views etc.) It's a business deal. I don't see why BMW wouldn't have the right to be concerned: the matter is not whether that athlete is seen with someone, the matter is whether the brand that pays the athlete wants to appear as associated with someone via it's sponsored athlete. This is not a freedom of expression or association issue. When you take sponsorship money, you contractually commit to certain things.

 

[pakdefender]

When he gave his Rugby World cup medal to a young fan , the hate filled people didn't see his large hearted gesture even then and criticized him , there is a pattern here and it's because of his faith and in some part due to his native heritage.

Sonny Bill Williams is a real champion , without a doubt

 

[patero]

He is a very pleasant and humble man, and a great role model for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He has done nothing wrong, but unfortunately there are people who are always looking for something to be outraged about (something a few posters on this site should be mindful of themselves) who have tried to make an issue about this.

SBW has been a positive influence within all the teams he plays for. A lot of young rugby players in New Zealand can learn a lot from him, a great deal of his success can be attributed to his faith and practices.

 

[Penguin]

@patero @pakdefender

I do hope you understand that my post (#16) does not say anything about Sonny Bill Williams, the person. Whether or not it is strange or justified that BMW looks into their relationship depends on that is in their sponsorship agreement. Thus far, mind you, BMW hasn't reneged on their part of the contractual obligations.

 

[patero]

@Penguin
Yeah I understand your point and agree with you, I'm completing a graduate diploma in marketing at the moment (I'm actually an accountant). What's interesting about BMW in this story is their corporate governance, not sure if you know what the stakeholder model is, German companies are well known for using it . It has a great deal of influence on their policies, values and brand identity. They will be highly selective with their sponsorship's, and mindful of maintaining 'fit' between their company values and those of their brand ambassador's. More so than an American company.

My comment about posters on this site who look for things to be outraged about was directed at people like the OP, I've noticed the pattern to the threads that he starts.