Eden Prairie, MN - After practice, the Minnesota Vikings had fried chicken for lunch. Later, an animal rights group criticized John Randle for picking on that segment of the poultry family.
No, the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals doesn't care what Randle eats. PETA is upset by a popular television commercial in which the All- Pro defensive tackle chases a chicken that is wearing the No. 4 jersey of Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre.
"Why the big flap?" asks the group's news release. "The commercial mimics what psychologists now see as a sign of criminal mentality, in that pleasure is apparently derived from trauma inflicted on a vulnerable animal."
The group contends that studies indicate such behavior "shows a consistent pattern of cruelty to animals among perpetrators of violence toward humans." The group is careful to point out it is not accusing Randle of criminal behavior, but it believes the commercial sends the wrong message to children.
In the ad, Randle sews a miniature Favre jersey and then is seen chasing a chicken wearing the jersey. The spot ends with Randle standing over a grill preparing chicken.
The group wants Nike, the commercial's sponsor, to pull the ad, which is one in a series that includes spots by NFL stars Jerome Bettis and Kordell Stewart. The company has no plans to pull Randle's commercial, said spokesman Scott Reames.
"This has been an overwhelmingly popular ad," Reames said. "In fact, the whole series of ads has been very well received. We certainly understand and respect the concerns that PETA has expressed, but we feel the commercial does not condone violence. It's meant to be a humorous way an athlete might prepare for a game."
Tyson Chooses New Officers September 25, 1998
Springdale, AK - Tyson Foods, Inc., announced that its Chairman and CEO, Leland Tollett, would retire on October 1, 1998, and that John H. Tyson, grandson of company founder John W. Tyson, has been elected Chairman of the Board and Wayne Britt, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Tollett announced his retirement plans at a Board Meeting and the Board then elected Tyson Chairman and Britt CEO. Britt was also elected to the Board of Directors of the Company.
"I am stepping down from the helm of this great company at this time simply because I think the timing is right," said Tollett. "As many people know, I have had vision problems for a number of years. These problems are not improving with age, and have become more than an inconvenience in trying to carry on my daily responsibilities. This concern, coupled with the fact that the Hudson acquisition is now behind us, and many of the outside issues that have distracted us for the past 5 years have been resolved, make it a good time for me to retire."
"I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead the Company for the past five years and think that Tyson Foods is positioned to have an outstanding year in fiscal 1999," Tollett said. "I am delighted that the Board has chosen John and Wayne to replace me. John Tyson's grandfather founded the Company and his father, Don, provided the vision and drive that helped build Tyson Foods into a world class food company. I believe that our shareholders, team members and associates will continue to prosper and grow with continued family leadership at the highest level. Wayne Britt has spent 26 years working across many areas of our company, including his recent tenure as Chief Financial Officer. He has always been seen as a rising star and I know he is well prepared to be a forceful and dynamic CEO."
Tollett will remain as a member of the Company's Board of Directors and will be available to consult with the new leadership to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, Tyson's President and COO, Donald "Buddy" Wray will remain in those positions.
"Wayne Britt and I grew up together at Tyson Foods," said John Tyson. "I look forward to, and will enjoy, working with him and the other members of our management team as we take this company into the 21st Century. We inherit a heritage of success."
Britt said, "I am honored to follow Leland and Don as CEO of Tyson Foods. And, I am pleased to have Buddy Wray to work with as I assume my new responsibilities. We will build on the foundation created by the Company's previous leadership, and continue to focus on our core business, chicken. I am excited about our future."
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
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