UK Olympic Athletes Told Not to Wear Beats Headphones

There's over 10,000 athletes competing in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. Everyday, millions of people around the world are tuning in to support their country or catch a glimpse of their favorite sports superstar competing in the games. As an advertiser, it's a golden opportunity. Over the last week or so, athletes have been speaking out against Rule 40, which prevents them from advertising for non-official Olympic brands during the games, be it on the field of play or online. Today, it emerged that the Great Britain team has been warned against wearing Beats by Dre headphones during the Olympics.

Beats by Dre headphones are extremely popular, that we know. However, it seems a special UK edition of the headphones has made them particularly popular among the Great Britain team. Several athletes competing for the UK have been spotted wearing the patriotic headphones prior to competing. Don't expect to see too many more pairs of those headphones, though, as athletes have just received a reminder from officials regarding the rules of brand promotion in the Olympics.

Pocket-Lint reports that British Olympic Association spokesperson Darryl Siebel has said officials reminded team leaders of "the importance of protecting our corporate partners." For those interested, the consequences of violating Rule 40 include disqualification from the Games.

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  • tical2399
    You gotta be kidding me. So people can't wear the head phone of their choice while just walking around or warming up. That's complete bullshit. If there is some "official headphone sponsor" then they better make sure every competitor had a brand new set if headphones from their company of STFU.
    Reply
  • jerm1027
    For those interested, the consequences of violating Rule 40 include disqualification from the Games.

    I always thought the Olympics were to see who are the best athletes in the world, not who is the richest corporation. Why should athletes be disqualified for preferring one brand over another?
    Reply
  • supall
    Here's a better question: Why don't the athletes just put a white sticker over the beats logo and call it a day?
    Reply
  • isoomega
    Conflict of interest or bribed? That is the question......

    Oh! Found twenty bucks under the table :D
    Reply
  • tical2399
    I don't give a rats ass whose funding them. If you want to put your log on the uniforms while the events are going on then fine, if you want to have your brand on the tv ads thats fine, if you want to have only your brand shown in the photo ops thats fine too. Telling me what I can use/wear on my own time is NOT fine.
    Reply
  • hotroderx
    Wow I wonder if this was done by MSNBC or if it was the Olympic Committee.

    I am not sure whats worse the US "Gold Metal Tax" where they Tax any American who wins gold 236 dollars.

    Are this where there Telling participants if you don't support our sponsors goods your DQ.
    Reply
  • Antimatter79
    tical2399I don't give a rats ass whose funding them. If you want to put your log on the uniforms while the events are going on then fine, if you want to have your brand on the tv ads thats fine, if you want to have only your brand shown in the photo ops thats fine too. Telling me what I can use/wear on my own time is NOT fine.
    Damn, man, are you a competing Olympic athlete? The thing is, during the games, they're representing their team, their country, on or off the court, field, etc. and all eyes are on them, so of course they can't promote competing brands (when you have celebrity status and you wear it, you're technically promoting it). Personally, I don't see the big deal in wearing branded headphones, but these world class athletes have a lot to lose, so I'm guessing none of them will get as upset by it as you seem to be. Relax, dude. You can still wear your own Beats all day if you like.
    Reply
  • Neog2
    It's a logo issue just put two pieces of tape and be done with it no big deal.
    Reply
  • cookoy
    i like the Olympics then when only amateurs competed and were given a chance to show their potentials and become future top professionals.
    Reply
  • Im all for not wearing beats, but this is ridiculous
    Reply