FULLERTON, Calif. (May 1, 2014) — Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) has agreed to reinstate its sponsorship of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team following the league's decision to ban Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life for his racist comments.
However, YTC stipulated half of any funds spent during the 2014 NBA playoffs be earmarked to a charity instead of the team.
“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,” said Andrew Briggs, director, marketing and product planning for YTC. “With the Clippers' agreement, we have found a way to continue moving forward and give back to the community and our fellow Clipper fans.”
Yokohama suspended its sponsorship of the Clippers on April 28.
Mr. Briggs said the money will be donated to NBA-sponsored charitable organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts.
The Clippers are playing a first-round playoff series with the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers lead the series three games to two, with the sixth game scheduled for tonight (May 1) in Oakland, Calif., the Warriors' home court. A game seven, if needed, would be May 3 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Clippers' home arena.
