Dannon Oikos Greek yogurt cuts ties with NFL quarterback over ‘sexist’ remarks

When asked by a female reporter from the news outlet the Charlotte Observer about his fellow Carolina Panthers teammate’s “routes”​ that the wide receiver ran during a recent game, Newton replied: “It's funny to hear a female talk about routes.”​

Newton signed with Oikos in 2015 in a deal that included a “multi-million dollar media investment”​ to promote its Triple Zero yogurt. The NFL player was featured in television ads on the NFL network during playoff games as part of Dannon’s marketing strategy to attract more men to the yogurt category by highlighting the yogurt’s high protein content (15 grams per 5.3-ounce serving).

Dannon also became the “Official Yogurt Sponsor of the National Football League” in 2014.

“We are shocked and disheartened at the behavior and comments of Cam Newton towards Jourdan Rodrigue, which we perceive as sexist and disparaging to all women,”​ Michael Neuwirth, senior director of external communications for Dannon, said in a statement.

“It is entirely inconsistent with our commitment to fostering equality and inclusion in every workplace. It's simply not ok to belittle anyone based on gender. We have shared our concerns with Cam and will no longer work with him.”​