XBlades drop semi's sponsorship

Jimmy Bartel a factor in XBlades decision to tear up Semi Radradra sponsorship contractDAVID RICCIO, Herald SunFebruary 18, 2017 9:00pmSubscriber onlyAFL champion and vocal domestic violence campaigner Jimmy Bartel appears to have been a major influence in a boot manufacturer’s decision to end its lucrative sponsorship deal with a star NRL player accused of punching his girlfriend.XBlades has torn up Semi Radradra’s contract worth almost $100,000 over three years after he was charged with several domestic violence offences.While Radradra has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has denied the allegations, the Sunday Herald Sun has learned that the decision to axe the Parramatta Eels star involved Bartel, who is the company’s product development director.Semi Radradra arriving at Parramatta local court.Bartel, a former Brownlow medallist with the Geelong Cats, has invested his own money into XBlades and taken a hands-on role in the brand, following his retirement from AFL football last year.One of the most decorated players to have played the game, Bartel was showered with praise and lauded courageous for his confronting public admission last year, that as a young boy and teenager he was subjected to domestic violence by his father.Jimmy Bartel has invested his own money into XBlades and taken a hands-on role in the brand. Picture: Jason EdwardsIn a statement, XBlades Australia chief executive Leighton Richards said: “In light of the recent allegations of domestic violence against Semi Radradra, it would not be responsible or appropriate for XBlades to continue working with the athlete. XBlades are committed to working with professional players and teams who align with our company values and provide positive role models for the next generation; therefore it is not possible for us to continue an association with Semi Radradra now, or in the near future.”

"HFK, Fair point. Sure, we could. But balancing incoming youth with experience is almost a perennial issue. A constant cycle. It never really goes away. At least not for too long. "

Replies

Thooper Dooper Maltese Sparrow February 19, 2017 at 9:45am

Funny if he is found innocent and goes on to win the Dally M?
- Adam Magrath > Thooper Dooper Maltese Sparrow February 19, 2017 at 9:50am
  
  If he is found not guilty I don't think he will be around long enough to find out.
iamnot February 19, 2017 at 6:50pm

I'm hoping they also drop Parramatta's sponsorship
- Ricky > iamnot February 19, 2017 at 7:36pm
  
  Your hope may well be the case, iamnot.
Scott Mangold February 19, 2017 at 9:31pm

Ill trar him up out team going next yearband not playing in right head space
Burtyfan "CYA FRANKIE" February 19, 2017 at 9:57pm

if he is found not guilty, either adidas or nike will be the biggest winners
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" February 19, 2017 at 10:05pm

Guilty by Social Media without trial.

Good one X Blades.

If Semi comes out of this with no case to answer (case dismissed - not guilty) how good are X Blades going to look in the public arena?

While at the same time they would fall over themselves to sign many others who have been down this road.
- Wizardssleeves official receipts > Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" February 19, 2017 at 10:09pm
  
  You will probbably find they just paid him out and asked him not to promote them anymore . 100k over 3 years is hardly huge money in the scheme of things . If he was to legally challenge it I'm sure it'd cost XGrades much more than 100K .