In light of recent developments, Yokohama Tire Corp. is back on board with the Los Angeles Clippers. There is a caveat, however.
Yokohama suspended its sponsorship deal with the Clippers following highly charged racial comments made by Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
After the commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) came down hard on the 80-year-old Sterling -- he was fined $2.5 million and banned from attending NBA games or practices for the rest of his life -- the Fullerton, Calif.-based tire manufacturer reinstated the sponsorship.
As part of a new agreement between Yokohama and the Clippers, half of the 2014 NBA playoff sponsorship funds are being earmarked to a charity instead of the organization.
“Yokohama applauds NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s leadership and actions by banning Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life from any association with the team or NBA,” says Andrew Briggs, Yokohama's director of marketing and product planning.
“With the Clippers’ agreement, we have found a way to continue moving forward and give back to the community and our fellow Clipper fans.”
Briggs says the money will be donated to NBA-sponsored charitable organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts.
