Advertisers back away from NBA's Clippers

NEW YORK (AP) - Advertisers are backing away from the Los Angeles Clippers after racist comments attributed to the NBA team's owner.

Used car dealership chain CarMax and airline Virgin America said Monday that they are ending their sponsorships of the Clippers in the wake of comments allegedly made by the team's owner, Donald Sterling.

A third sponsor, Kia Motors America, said it is suspending its advertising and sponsorship activities with the team. A fourth, insurer State Farm said it "will be taking a pause in our relationship with the organization."

Companies sponsor teams to capitalize on the feel-good nature of sports, but the incident highlights the fact that sponsorships carry a risk when the news turns negative.

Brands face a tough spot when they link themselves with teams or athletes that become mired in controversy. Nike and other sponsors dropped disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong after his doping scandal. But many sponsors stood by golfer Tiger Woods after he acknowledged infidelities and went to rehab for sex addiction.

Sterling has come under fire for comments he is alleged to have made in a recorded conversation with a woman. Portions of that conversation were released over the weekend by TMZ and Deadspin, leading to a national outcry.

The NBA is planning a news conference Tuesday on its investigation into Sterling.