Outdoor company Yeti said reports it abruptly severed ties[1] with the National Rifle Association are "inaccurate."
In a statement released Monday, Yeti said it had previously notified the NRA foundation, as well as a number of other organizations, that it was "eliminating a group of outdated discounting programs."
"When we notified the NRA Foundation and the other organizations of this change, YETI explained we were offering them an alternative customization program broadly available to consumers and organizations, including the NRA Foundation.
"These facts directly contradict the inaccurate statement the NRA-ILA distributed," YETI added.
The Austin, Texas-based company best known for its coolers and mugs has come under fire from NRA supporters after the gun right's group sent an email to members last weekend.
"Suddenly, without prior notice, YETI has declined to do business with The NRA Foundation saying they no longer wish to be an NRA vendor, and refused to say why. They will only say they will no longer sell products to The NRA Foundation. That certainly isn't sportsmanlike. In fact, YETI should be ashamed," the email said.[2]
The email directed NRA members to contact the company to express their opinions.
YETI also denied NRA claims it was no interested in "helping America's young people enjoy outdoor recreational activities."
"Nothing is further from the truth," YETI said. "YETI was founded more than 10 years ago with a passion for the outdoors, and over the course of our history we have actively and enthusiastically supported hunters, anglers and the broader outdoor community.
"Moreover, YETI is unwavering in our belief in and commitment to the Constitution of the United States and its Second Amendment," the statement added.
-- YETI (@YETICoolers)
