News Local/State

State Farm Pulling LA Clippers Sponsorship

 

State Farm Insurance Co. is pulling its sponsorship of the Los Angeles Clippers following racist comments that have been attributed to the team's owner.

In a statement Monday, the Bloomington, Ill.-based insurer says the remarks attributed to Donald Sterling "are offensive.'' The company says it is "taking a pause'' in its relationship with the organization "while those involved sort out the facts.''

Sterling is alleged to have made the comments in a recorded conversation with a woman. Parts of that conversation were released by TMZ and Deadspin, prompting a national outcry.

State Farm says that for now it will continue to run its "Born to Assist'' ad campaign, which features Clippers player Chris Paul.
 
Used car dealership chain CarMax and airline Virgin America also say they're ending their team sponsorships.