Fresh off the announcement that Colin Kaepernick would be the new face of Nike’s “Just Do It” ads, the company loses billions in stock.
Kap will be one of the faces of Nike’s 30th anniversary of their “Just Do It” slogan. Many don’t know that Nike continued to pay him despite not being able to play in the NFL since 2016. Now the relationship between Nike and the NFL may become an issue being that the NFL brand does not agree with Kap’s boycotting of standing for the nation’s anthem, and Nike is the official uniform sponsor for them.
“Nike has a long-standing relationship with the NFL and works extensively with the league on all campaigns that use current NFL players. Colin is not currently employed by an NFL team and has no contractual obligations to the NFL,” said Nike spokesperson Sandra Carreon-John.
Nike’s decision to choose Kap has pissed off a lot of people. Sparking people around social media to upload pics and videos of them destroying their shoes, socks and clothing. One video even set a pair of shoes on fire.
As of today their market value went from 131.57 billion to $127.82 billion.
A #NikeBoycott tag is now trending on Twitter which includes some celebrities joining in, but there is a wave of support rallying behind Colin and Nike. Although some black people believe this was just a chess move for the company and not really a “movement” play.
Former ESPN anylist Jemele Hill wrote:
“Nike became Nike because it was built on the idea of rebellion,” “This is the same company that dealt w/ the NBA banning Air Jordans. They made [Michael] Jordan the face of the company at a time when black men were considered to be a huge risk as pitch men. They aren’t new to this.”
Will Nike remain loyal to Kap despite losing money?
