Bob Arum sides with Nike, says dropping Pacquiao ‘appropriate’

The boxing promoter of Manny Pacquiao, Bob Arum, said Nike's decision to drop the boxer is "appropriate."

"As Manny's promoter, I must say that I agree with Nike," said Arum, in an interview with TMZ Sports that was posted on its website on Thursday morning (PHL time).

"They're (Nike) in the business of selling products and Manny's remarks were offensive to many people, particularly those in the gay and lesbian community. And Manny shouldn't have said what he did and Nike acted appropriately," he added.

The US-based sports equipment retailer issued a statement describing Pacquiao's comments on gays "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. We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao, which is accurate."

In an earlier television interview, Pacquiao, who is running for senator in the May elections, said "common sense" would tell you that animals don't engage in sex with the same gender.

"Common sense lang," he said. "Makakita ka ba ng any animals na lalake sa lalake o babae sa babae?"

"Mas mabuti pa 'yung hayop, marunong kumikilala kung [lalake o babae], 'di ba? Ngayon, kung lalake sa lalake o babae sa babae—mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao," he added.

Celebrities and LGBT groups reacted strongly to the boxer's comments.

Pacquiao then clarified that he was not condemning anyone, but was just telling what the Bible says.

Arum explained that Pacquiao is a born again Christian, who adheres to the teachings in the Bible.

"And it is irrefutable that in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament there is a prohibition against homosexuality. And that is the word thousands of years ago," Arum said, adding that: "We have evolved since then, in this country, praise God."

"The issue on same-sex marriage has been resolved. People can choose the way they want to live and I applaud that," he added.

Pacquiao has apologized for his comment, but remained firm on his stand against same-sex marriage.

Nike's decision elicited mixed reactions from netizens.

Some of Pacquiao's fans disagreed with the company's decision while some pledged to refrain from buying Nike products.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova's post on her Twitter account was simple. "Free to speak but words have consequences," she said.

Nike Drops Manny Pacquiao Following Anti-Gay Comments- free to speak but words have consequences https://t.co/VuXclIXhKZ

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) February 17, 2016

Cultural activist Carlos Celdran, meanwhile, welcomed Nike's decision.

"Thank you, Nike. I am glad you are on the right side of history," he posted on Twitter.

Other reactions:

After his comments and the #Nike decision, this is the perfect picture for #MannyPacquiao pic.twitter.com/YBKYvDqRlI

— Lee Wingard (@lee_wingard) February 17, 2016

@gmanews @Nike @mannypacquiao but his contract with God is unlimited :)

— kwistine love (@kristinealipio) February 17, 2016

@gmanews @Nike @mannypacquiao Kudos to Nike! Now that's COMMON SENSE!

— parselt0ngue (@HitStrong) February 17, 2016

@gmanews @mannypacquiao
We are all in this together Bro Manny! pic.twitter.com/klUtuVf1Vr

— BingBDiwata (@bingbdiwata) February 17, 2016

 — BAP/KG, GMA News