Nike Suspends Contract With Michael Vick

Company Will Pull Products With Quarterback's Name Off Shelves At Company-Owned Stores

(AP)  Nike Inc. said Friday it suspended its contract with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and will pull goods with his name off the shelves at stores the company owns.

In a statement Friday, the company said it had not terminated the contract, as animal-rights activists had urged the company to do after Vick was accused of federal dog-fighting charges.

"Nike has suspended Michael Vick's contract without pay, and will not sell any more Michael Vick product at Nike owned retail at this time," the company said.

Vick pleaded not guilty Thursday to participating in a dog-fighting ring that allegedly executed underperforming pit bulls by hanging, electrocution or other brutal means.

Nike had previously told retailers it will not release a fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V, this summer and that the four shoe products and three shirts that currently bear Vick's name will remain in stores.