Earlier this week Nike made headlines when they revealed that they were going to feature controversial football star Colin Kaepernick, who is currently suing the NFL for colluding to keep him out of the league, in the company’s 30th anniversary marketing campaign.
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
Via Business Insider
Kaepernick already had a deal with Nike that was set to expire, but it was renegotiated into a multi-year deal to make him one of the faces of Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign, according to a person familiar with the contract.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Nike hasn’t officially announced the contract.The source says Nike will feature Kaepernick on several platforms, including billboards, television commercials and online ads. Nike also will create an apparel line for Kaepernick and contribute to his Know Your Rights charity.
On Thursday, Nike ran this commercial during the NFL’s season opener and plans to continue running commercial throughout the NFL season.
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 5, 2018
Not everyone is pleased with Nike’s decision to prominently feature the politically vocal Kaepernick who has used his platform to speak against social injustice.
Missouri’s College of the Ozarks has become the first school to drop Nike because they feel the company is “promoting an attitude of division and disrespect toward America”.
“In their new ad campaign, we believe Nike executives are promoting an attitude of division and disrespect toward America,” C in a statement. “If Nike is ashamed of America, we are ashamed of them. We also believe that those who know what sacrifice is all about are more likely to be wearing a military uniform than an athletic uniform.”
“Nike is free to campaign as it sees fit, as the College is free, and honor-bound by its mission and goals, to ensure that it respects our country and those who truly served and sacrificed,” Linson said.
