Slice has worked for Reality Kings as a bodyguard and has worn ads sponsored by Reality Kings at other matches, including some televised on cable subscription service Showtime. The CBS television network and Showtime are both divisions of parent company CBS Corp.
The ban was discussed during a conference call publicizing the match.
Denny Burkholder from CBSSports.com asked,“One of Kimbo’s sponsors is Reality Kings, and Reality Kings operates a number of pornographic Web sites. Was there ever any discussion of banning Reality Kings from sponsoring Kimbo on the CBS show due to being on primetime network TV?”
EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw replied, “Yes, Reality Kings will not be on his clothing."
According to Shaw, the decision to prevent Reality Kings from being a visible sponsor was a joint one between CBS and EliteXC.
“We understand what’s socially responsible, and CBS has a very high standard for standards and practices,” he said. “And every logo we put on, or whatever we do, goes through CBS in their standards and practices.”
Other restrictions that have been revealed include a requirement that fighters wear EliteXC hats during post-game interviews and a prohibition of banners hung inside the fight cage. Banners can only be displayed on the outside of the cage and can only advertise the fight camp that the fighter is representing. EliteXC also has banned clothing labeled by clothing manufacturer Affliction.
The CBS show is scheduled for Saturday night at 9 p.m. Check local listings for more information.
