Just what kind of Clout does Kaepernick have?

[DavidMcmillan]

Just don’t do it.

That was the message ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick delivered to Nike over the planned release of a USA-themed sneaker, which featured a Betsy Ross flag on the heel, according to a report.


Nike nixed the released of the Air Max 1 USA after having already sent the sneakers to retailers because the protesting quarterback said he felt the use of the Betsy Ross flag was offensive and carried slavery connotations, sources told The Wall Street Journal.

 

[Okie4570]

One man's wish, what a tool and Nike is the tool bag.

 

[tRidiot]

It's called race-based social media blackmail and extortion.

This is how far our society has fallen.

 

[DavidMcmillan]

I just can't see poor old Betsy as a racist.

 

[rlongnt]

I know three kiddos that will be getting “other than Nike” for school next month.

 

[SlugSlinger]

Arizona Gov. Ducey to pull Nike plant incentives over reported Colin Kaepernick, Betsy Ross flag flap

By Ryan Gaydos | Fox News

Nike pulls 'Betsy Ross Flag' sneaker after Colin Kaepernick raises concern.

Kaepernick said the Betsy Ross flag was offensive and a symbol of racism.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Tuesday he was ordering the Arizona Commerce Authority to withdraw incentives for Nike building a manufacturing plant in the state.

Ducey made the announcement in a series of tweets after The Wall Street Journalreported that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick urged Nike to nix a USA-themed sneaker, which featured a Betsy Ross flag on the heel, over slavery connotations.


“Words cannot express my disappointment at this terrible decision. I am embarrassed for Nike,” Ducey, a Republican, tweeted. “Nike is an iconic American brand and American company. This country, our system of government and free enterprise have allowed them to prosper and flourish.

"Nike has chosen not to release the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July as it featured the old version of the American flag," a spokeswoman reportedly said.

“Instead of celebrating American history the week of our nation’s independence, Nike has apparently decided that Betsy Ross is unworthy, and has bowed to the current onslaught of political correctness and historical revisionism. It is a shameful retreat for the company. American businesses should be proud of our country’s history, not abandoning it.

“Nike has made its decision, and now we’re making ours. I’ve ordered the Arizona Commerce Authority to withdraw all financial incentive dollars under their discretion that the State was providing for the company to locate here. Arizona’s economy is doing just fine without Nike. We don’t need to suck up to companies that consciously denigrate our nation’s history.

“And finally, it shouldn’t take a controversy over a shoe for our kids to know who Betsy Ross is. A founding mother. Her story should be taught in all American schools. In the meantime, it’s worth googling her.”

Nike planned to build a massive manufacturing plant in Goodyear, investing $184.5 million, according to ABC 15. The plant reportedly was going to create more than 500 jobs.

Goodyear agreed to waive nearly $1 million in plan review and permit fees to bring the plant into the city, The Arizona Republic reported. The city also planned to reimburse Nike $1 million for the jobs the company was set on creating.

Kaepernick reached out to Nike officials and expressed that the flag that was featured on the back of the shoes could be an offensive symbol because of its connection to a slavery era, according to The Wall Street Journal.


In response, a Nike spokeswoman told the Journal: “Nike has chosen not to release the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July as it featured the old version of the American flag.”

The sneaker originally was slated to be released on Monday, and posts hyping its release said it would cost $140.

Kaepernick, the former quarterback who famously kneeled during the National Anthem starting in 2016, was named as the face of Nike’s latest “Just Do It” campaign last year. After the announcement, Nike’s stock initially fell more than 3 percent, before online sales increased.

 

[Aries]

Colin who?

 

[Tanis143]

If the US flag, ANY period, is offensive, there are 194 other countries to choose from.

 

[SlugSlinger]

Adidas has some good sales currently. Use Save30 for 30% off.

https://www.adidas.com/us/duramo-9-...LC-_-None-None-US-always-on-None-1801&irgwc=1

 

[Louro]

I know three kiddos that will be getting “other than Nike” for school next month.

Right now I'm in the market for new pair of court shoes ain't goin to be Nike. I buy my grandson and daughter shoes but last year they had a caveat NO NIKE products. So for me no NIKE no Gillette products and the list keep getting bigger.