Carl's Jr. television ads featuring Dennis Rodman will be yanked permanently because of comments the Chicago Bulls forward made about Mormons, the fast-food chain's owner said Thursday.
"Derogatory comments made about any religious or racial group are inexcusable," said Robert W. Wisely, senior vice president of marketing for Carl Karcher Enterprises Inc.Rodman used profanity in describing Mormons several times during the Bulls' three-game stay in Salt Lake City for the NBA finals series against the Utah Jazz.
He apologized Thursday after the NBA has slapped him with a record $50,000 fine.
Rodman began making off-color comments about Mormons after the Bulls lost Game 3 to the Jazz in Salt Lake City.
"It's difficult to get in sync because of all the (expletive) Mormons out here. And you can quote me on that," he said.
The Mormon Church offered no comment.
Carl Karcher and its franchisees and licensees operate 678 Carl's Jr. and 26 Rally's restaurants, primarily in California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, Mexico and the Pacific Rim.