More good news for John Amaechi, whose coming out elevated discussions of homophobia and slurs to national attention. HeadBlade, manufacturers of a head-shaving razor, has signed the former NBA player to a multi-year contract—the first time a mainstream company has sponsored an openly gay male athlete.
"I think it's fantastic that HeadBlade has approached me to endorse the brand," said Amaechi. "I jumped on the HeadBlade bandwagon the first time I found out about the product almost six years ago, and have been using it ever since."
HeadBlade CEO Todd Greene says Amaechi “is the perfect storm” because “he’s African-American, a basketball player and gay, and those are all huge demographics for us.” Here, here.
Just the opposite luck for the contrite and homophobic Tim Hardaway. Another manufacturer of men’s grooming essentials, Bald Guyz, recently fired him as their first athletic endorser. Hardaway has suffered numerous financial setbacks ever since his notorious anti-gay rant on a Miami radio show.
Last weekend, John Amaechi spoke at the National Black Justice Coalition's Second Annual Black Church Summit. His memoirs, Man in the Middle, remains on The New York Times bestseller list. In more ways than one, Amaechi continues to shrine through the negativity that accompanied his coming out.
Gay Athletes Slowly Enter the Endorsement Arena [NYT]
It's a deal: Amaechi to endorse head-shaving razor [KABC]
HeadBlade [official site]
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I still cannot believe Tim Hardaway - years into retirement said that.
Posted by: Myspace Generators | 12 March 2007 at 14:59
I've seen this in Walgreens all the time. Now I have a reason to try it. Props to HeadBlade.
Posted by: Otis | 12 March 2007 at 16:19
That means its time to support HeadBlade.
Posted by: toby | 12 March 2007 at 17:08
Wow--this IS big, and deserves our support. I may have to go bald again in solidarity....
Nawww...
Good for you HeadBlade, and good for you Amaechi.
Posted by: Andy in Seattle | 12 March 2007 at 17:41
yes they where a sponsor in puerto rico for San Juan Brothas last year.
Posted by: john | 12 March 2007 at 20:41
LOL!! @ title.
Posted by: taylor Siluwé | 12 March 2007 at 23:54
Taylor, you and me both are LOL. I've been lurking here for a while and a few things immediately stood out: The titles are often LOL and wso are the opening lines.
Fun blog.
Posted by: toby | 13 March 2007 at 00:07