Gerber: Jim Zumbo’s only remaining sponsor is holding strong even after all of his other sponsors sided with us.
[b]Sales <Sales@gerbergear.com> wrote:
Following Jim Zumbo’s recent comments, those of us at Gerber would like to clarify that we respect the opinion of our sponsored hunters and users however, we do not necessarily agree with all their opinions, nor do we endorse their public statements. Our presence and development in the tactical and hunting markets is proof-positive we are committed to supporting these industries and all those involved.
Since Jim’s blog was published he has issued this apology: http://outdoorlife.blogs.com/zumbo/2007/02/i_was_wrong_big.html.
Thanks for supporting our rights and for supporting Gerber Legendary Blades.
Jason Kintzler
Senior Communications Manager[/b]
My reply:
Jason,
I will assume that this reply means you will still continue to support Jim Zumbo.
Although your company makes many great knives and tools I will, as I stated, no longer spend my money with a company who gives a guy like Zumbo free money and gear for mainstream advertising purposes. He did apologize, but that in no way exonerates him from his responsibility to the firearms/hunting community. Jim Zumbo cannot be trusted to be in the spotlight anymore. He has shown his true colors and they don’t seem to be red, white, or blue.
Everyone has a right their opinion, but when their opinions conflict with those of his or her sponsor’s target consumers, why continue to sponsor him.
Just my $.02.
Thank you for your time,
David Laninga
I will not be giving Gerber another dime nor any other company who would accept a weak apology like that and continue to give Zumbo money.
Outdoor Life And Jim Zumbo Part Ways
By Todd. W. Smith
Editor-in-Chief
Outdoor Life magazine Editor-in-Chief Todd Smith released the following statement today regarding writer Jim Zumbo:
February 2007
In light of comments made by Jim Zumbo in his February 16, 2007 blog posting on the magazine’s website, Mr. Zumbo has offered to terminate his association with Outdoor Life, and the magazine has accepted his offer. Accordingly, he will no longer be contributing to the magazine in print or online. His final column with Outdoor Life will appear in the April 2007 issue, which has already gone to press.
We respect Mr. Zumbo’s First Amendment right to free speech, and we acknowledge his subsequent apology and admission of error. However, Outdoor Life has always been, and will always be, a steadfast supporter of all aspects of the shooting sports and our Second Amendment rights, which do not make distinctions based on the appearance of the firearms we choose to own, shoot or hunt with.
We regret this turn of events, as Mr. Zumbo has been a good friend to this magazine and lifelong advocate for hunters and hunting rights.
We appreciate the comments we’ve received from our loyal readers about this matter and encourage them to continue to correspond with us. Please direct any additional comments to OLletters@time4.com
