Tim Layden article on Leo's lack of sponsorship

Don't understand wrote:

Bert Har wrote:

Was noone's offer better than Nike's?

I don't know but the fact there is talk about the BEST OFFER makes me think that the market was thoroughly checked out. Did Manzano let pride get in his way by turning down this best offer? Surly turning down the best offer available is not a smart choice whether it fulfils your expectations or not.

Is noone a Mexican company? I've never heard of it.

Diss a Flag wrote:

Manzano was given two flags. Tossing either one to the ground would have been significantly worse than simply carrying both. American are so upset about their own flag, and could care less about what people from other countries loyalty feel about their own.

American's would never get upset about an athlete carrying a U.S. school flag as well as an American flag at the end of a race.

Mazano did the politically correct thing, considering the feelings of two countries were involved, regardless of how upset American chose to let themselves become.

luv2run wrote:

IIRC, he carried both flags. So maybe more accurate to say "Maybe he should have just carried the US flag".

I was not making a judgment. But he could have politely declined the Mexican flag. Have you never politely declined an offer? I never said anything about throwing a flag to the ground--you are right that that would be highly disrespectful.

I doubt this has a lot to do with the flag though.

oldie but goodie wrote:

no comprende wrote:

"

Manzano lives in Austin, Tex., with his girlfriend and their son"

that's not very good of him. he should be married if he has a kid.

I did a double take when I read that in the article. Him having a kid is news to me. Unless it is the girlfriends kid from another relationship. And wasn't he just dating Rowbury like last year??

I interpret "their" son to mean that he is the father.

no comprende wrote:

"

Manzano lives in Austin, Tex., with his girlfriend and their son"

that's not very good of him. he should be married if he has a kid.

Nike sponsors Tiger. While he does not have kids outside of marriage that we know about, he has done far worse things than Manzano has done IMHO.

luv2run wrote:

Diss a Flag wrote:

Manzano was given two flags. Tossing either one to the ground would have been significantly worse than simply carrying both. American are so upset about their own flag, and could care less about what people from other countries loyalty feel about their own.

American's would never get upset about an athlete carrying a U.S. school flag as well as an American flag at the end of a race.

Mazano did the politically correct thing, considering the feelings of two countries were involved, regardless of how upset American chose to let themselves become.

IIRC, he carried both flags. So maybe more accurate to say "Maybe he should have just carried the US flag".

I was not making a judgment. But he could have politely declined the Mexican flag. Have you never politely declined an offer? I never said anything about throwing a flag to the ground--you are right that that would be highly disrespectful.

I doubt this has a lot to do with the flag though.[/quote

You don't understand what you are saying. Mexico is part of his heritage, but more importantly, HE JUST HAD THE CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT OF HIS ENTIRE LIFE AFTER A DOZEN YEARS OF INTENSE TRAINING AND WON A SILVER MEDAL. I'm sure if someone had handed him the US flag and then a Russian flag he would've grabbed it because he was caught up in the moment. If someone handed you a US flag and then a T Shirt from your Middle School track team after you won an Olympic Silver Medal, I bet you'd grab both too. But you won't ever win anything because you are a petty human being who can't put yourself in others' shoes.

I question this logic.

First, I would think that, if the price were right, a shoe company could make more off a silver medalist after his medal than before. Folks who get endorsements often get it based on past performance as well.

There are folks who are signed because the company thinks they can help move product.

Nike must have made the determination that for what he was asking he could not bring that much value.

No one wants to buy what he is selling ... period.

Have you ever seen houses that have been on the market for a year or more? Something isn't right with the whole package ... too expensive, too many things wrong, too few bathrooms, basement isn't finished, wrong paint color, funny shaped lot, best house in the worst neighborhood, etc.

I hear from a good source that Nike offered Leo close to 350k per year. He turned it down. If true that sounds as though he doesn't understand a good offer in a falling market. I can't imagine simms doesn't know that. Seems Leo has over-inflated opinion of his worth.

Copied and pasted key points

A Duck: All companies are at fault for underfunding the athletes.

Me: They are getting what the market will pay.

A duck: All in all, our country treats our Olympic heroes shamefully.

Me: Can you not throw around "hero" so loosely?

A duck: It is a travesty that Manzano is not sponsored, and that his and all athletes sponsorship opportunities are limited by IAAF rules.

Me: first, "travesty" seems strong. It is a business decision involving both parties. Also, he could not get one sponsor, I wonder how many sponsors he turned away?

A Duck: As Nick Symmonds pointed out last week -- in the UK Dart Throwers make millions off of...throwing Darts -- and are allowed to have multiple sponsor logos on their shirts.

Me: Maybe dart throwers can move product. Perhaps dart throwing draws more viewers, better ratings.

I have to believe Leo has just overestimated his worth, perhaps goaded into doing so by Simms. It's hard to believe Nike didn't make him a decent offer.

100% agree, why would anybody sponsor this guy? It isn't that hard. If you are an American, grab the Stars and Stripes.