By Mike Dawes Advertisers are backing away from the Los Angeles Clippers after racist comments attributed to the NBA team's owner Donald Sterling. Mercedes-Benz USA said Monday its dealerships are ending their sponsorship of the Clippers in the wake of comments allegedly made by Sterling. Used car dealership chain CarMax, airline Virgin America, Sprint, Amtrak and Corona are doing the same. Three other sponsors, Kia Motors America, energy drink maker Red Bull and hardwood flooring retailer Lumber Liquidators, said they are suspending their advertising and sponsorship activities with the team. Insurer State Farm, said it 'will be taking a pause in our relationship with the organization.' Several other local businesses like the Yokohama Tire Corporation, Southern California Ford dealers association, LoanMart, AQUAhydrate and two casinos are ending their funding for the team.
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Significant sponsors of LA Clippers announced on Monday that they are to withdraw or suspend their backing of the team while Donald Sterling remains owner
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Of the NBA teams 10 major sponsors, five have pulled away from the troubled team
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Expected more will follow - potentially signaling the death-knell for Sterling's stewardship of the team
'While we have been a proud @placeholder sponsor for 9 years and support the team, fans and community, these statements necessitate that CarMax end its sponsorship.'