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Yao Ming replaces Bryant as McDonald's spokesman
AP ^
| 2/12/04
Posted on 02/12/2004 5:42:20 PM PST by truthandlife
Houston Rockets All-Star Yao Ming is the new global spokesman for McDonald's, which let Kobe Bryant's contract expire after he was accused of rape.
Yao's multiyear sponsorship deal was announced today at a McDonald's outlet inside the Los Angeles Convention Center. Yao is in town to play in Sunday's NBA All-Star game.
Bryant's three-year deal with the fast-food company expired Dec. 31. The Los Angeles Lakers guard has lost other sponsors since being charged with sexual assault.
"We had a long, mutually beneficial partnership with Kobe," said Larry Light, McDonald's global chief marketing officer. "His contract expired and we mutually determined under the circumstances it was best to not renew."
The company's research showed Yao's attitude and charm are as much a part of his appeal as his athletic ability, Light said.
"Yao has international appeal and also represents the character of our brand," Light said. "He's youthful, dynamic and has a sense of humor. He's also very caring."
Yao will be used in McDonald's global marketing campaign, with an emphasis on physical fitness and activity, Olympic initiatives and support of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Yao was chosen as a Western Conference All-Star starter for the second consecutive year. He had 29 points and 11 rebounds in Houston's 102-87 victory over the Lakers on Wednesday night.
TOPICS: Front Page News
KEYWORDS: bryant; marketing; mcdonalds; nba; yao; yaoming; yo
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To: truthandlife
All McDonald's and Kobe jokes aside, I love that kid Yao Ming's game.
To: TexanAmerican
So a 'spokesman' is supposed to convince me to stop at McDonalds?
Perhaps the weak of mind would be persuaded.
3
posted on
02/12/2004 5:47:15 PM PST
by
Voltage
To: truthandlife
Increase McDonald's market share in China, maybe. I understand Yao is a huge pop-culture presence there.
4
posted on
02/12/2004 5:48:00 PM PST
by
Tax-chick
(Still more than 8 months remaining until the election - is this boring or what?)
To: truthandlife
I thought Justin Timberlake was the spokesperson for McDonald's.
5
posted on
02/12/2004 5:50:54 PM PST
by
madprof98
To: truthandlife
"Yao all gonna love our burgers."
6
posted on
02/12/2004 5:51:32 PM PST
by
July 4th
(George W. Bush, Avenger of the Bones)
To: truthandlife; Flyer
Wow....eeeeeerrrrrrr Yao!
Houston Bump
7
posted on
02/12/2004 5:52:07 PM PST
by
bobbyd
(Damn, I've been tagged.....)
To: TexanAmerican
I love that kid Yao Ming's game.He whooped Shaq last night.
8
posted on
02/12/2004 5:53:23 PM PST
by
PRND21
To: truthandlife
Why the insistence on an NBA player???
9
posted on
02/12/2004 6:02:54 PM PST
by
jra
To: Voltage
Of course, you're never persuaded by ads.
10
posted on
02/12/2004 6:09:12 PM PST
by
Guillermo
(It's tough being a Miami Dolphins fan)
To: TexanAmerican
And he seems to actually be a good guy unlike that punk Kobe. ( That elbow he threw at Bibby in the playoffs sealed it for me)
11
posted on
02/12/2004 6:10:31 PM PST
by
Cosmo
(Kerry spent the Seventies playing Jane Fonda and he now wants to run as John Wayne.)
To: jra
Do you really need that question answered?
12
posted on
02/12/2004 6:11:44 PM PST
by
Cosmo
(Kerry spent the Seventies playing Jane Fonda and he now wants to run as John Wayne.)
To: truthandlife
after schooling shaq last night Yao deserves this.
13
posted on
02/12/2004 6:14:03 PM PST
by
g35x
To: truthandlife
I'm not a basketball fan, but I saw him on some commercial. Does the guy speak English? Is he from Communist China? Is he a party member?
14
posted on
02/12/2004 7:00:51 PM PST
by
adam_az
(Be vewy vewy qwiet, I'm hunting weftists.)
To: truthandlife
How do you sing that Mickey D's jingle in Chinese?
15
posted on
02/12/2004 7:03:43 PM PST
by
ServesURight
(FReecerely Yours,)
To: jra
Why the insistence on an NBA player???They must have done some market research into who plays basketball = who eats at McDonalds.
16
posted on
02/12/2004 7:21:05 PM PST
by
Indie
(Kill 'em all and let allah sort 'em out)
To: July 4th
"I'm ruvvin' it! Buy some Flench flies!"
To: ServesURight; martin_fierro
New product: Egg McFoo Yung.
To: Charles Henrickson
Sweet!
To: truthandlife
Communist China allows Ming Yeo to play for the NBA. And for this "priviledge" they take ONE HALF of his pay check.
So now American dollars going into McDonalds' pockets..... then go directly into the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) coffers!
I, for one, will never give them, (McD) another dime!
20
posted on
02/12/2004 7:58:57 PM PST
by
mickie
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