Soccer star seen on video kicking pet cat in ‘unwarranted abuse.’ Adidas dropped him
Adidas has dropped its sponsorship with a London soccer star who was caught on video abusing his pet cat, according to multiple media outlets.
West Ham defender Kurt Zouma lost his sponsorship with the footwear corporation after a video went viral of the 27-year-old drop-kicking his cat in his kitchen, The Athetlic reported.
He was also fined “the maximum amount possible” by West Ham United, which plays in the English Premier League, Yahoo reported.
The video was also uploaded to Snapchat on Feb. 6 by his brother, The Sun said.
“We have concluded our investigation and can confirm Kurt Zouma is no longer an Adidas contracted athlete,” the Adidas statement said, according to The Athletic.
Adidas had previously said, “No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse,” Sky Sports reported.
Zouma’s cats were taken away by the RSPCA according to a social media statement on Feb. 8.
“The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the well-being of these cats,” the statement said.
West Ham released a statement regarding the incident, NBC Sports said.
“West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated,” the statement said according to NBC. “We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
West Ham started Zouma during their 1-0 win over Watford on Feb. 8, the first match since the video emerged.
When asked about the decision, West Ham manager David Moyes said that the incident was a “separate matter,” and that the club was dealing with it, NBC Sports reported.
“He’s one of our better players,” Moyes said when asked, NBC said.
Zouma issued an apology regarding the incident.
“I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video,” Zouma said, according to ESPN. “I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.”
This story was originally published February 9, 2022 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Soccer star seen on video kicking pet cat in ‘unwarranted abuse.’ Adidas dropped him."