Boxer Manny Pacquiao made derogatory comments about same-sex couples and lost his eight-year endorsement deal with Nike. On a Filipino television program, Pacquiao said. "If you have male-to-male or female-to-female [relationships], then people are worse than animals." He was explaining why he opposed same-sex marriage. 

Nike issued this statement: "We find Manny Pacquiao's comments abhorrent. Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community." 

In a video posted on Twitter and Instagram, Pacquiao apologized. 

According to ESPN, Pacquiao has a history of anti-gay sentiment: 

This week wasn't the first time Pacquiao has been involved in a furor over gay rights. In 2012 he was quoted as saying he was against same-sex marriage because "it's the law of God," though he denied implying that homosexuals should be put to death.

Discussion Starters: 

• Assess Pacquiao's video: do you find his statement and body language convincing? 
• Did Nike do the right thing? Discuss pros and cons of the decision.