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Sponsored athletes line-up to denounce Under Armour CEO’s description of Trump as an ‘asset’

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By John Glenday, Reporter

February 10, 2017 | 2 min read

Athletes sponsored by sports clothing and accessories supplier Under Armour have lined up to denounce comments supportive of President Trump made by the brand's chief executive, Kevin Plank, who told CNBC that "to have such a pro-business president is something that is a real asset for the country”.

Expressing divergent views ballet dancer Misty Copeland and former wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock; Johnson gave voice to their own diametrically opposed assessment of Trump’s White House tenure.

Johnson took to Twitter to stress that Plank’s statement did not correlate with his own beliefs but added that he would not be tearing up his lucrative contract for a range of shoes with the business in protest.

His comments were echoed by Copeland on Instagram who expressed strong disagreement with Trump’s policies while National Basketball Association star Stephen Curry had an even more pithy response, asserting that he agreed with Plank’s remark – if you removed the ‘et’ from asset.

In the midst of the furore Under Armour sought to qualify its CEO’s views, insisting that they specifically referred to Trump’s business stance not his opinions on social matters.

In a statement the company said: “We believe in advocating for fair trade, an inclusive immigration policy that welcomes the best and the brightest and those seeking opportunity in the great tradition of our country, and tax reform that drives hiring to help create new jobs globally, across America and in Baltimore.”

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