After Nike debuted its ad featuring free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick, a backlash has erupted across social media.
In some of the most newsworthy acts of protest, many have taken to destroying their Nike apparel to show opposition to the former San Francisco 49er star being one of the faces of the footwear company’s 30th-anniversary campaign.
“Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. Just Do It,” Kaepernick’s ad, which he tweeted on Labor Day, read.
But there’s a certain group of people who are fired up about the footwear brand partnering with the athlete who is suing the NFL for collusion.
Among some of the methods of boycotting Nike, some have cut the Nike logos off their socks, tossed T-shirts in the garbage and even cooked up and eaten the hosiery.
“Hey #Nike. I don’t wear politics or anything related to #ColinKaepernick I no longer buy 5 to 6 pairs per year of Air Monarch Black size 9 anymore either. Just do it? I did. I set my bunions free. #RemovetheSwoosh,” someone wrote accompanying a photo of their sneakers with the logo taken off.
“First the @NFL forces me to choose between my favorite sport and my country. I chose country. Then @Nike forces me to choose between my favorite shoes and my country. Since when did the American flag and the national anthem become offensive?”
First the @NFL forces me to choose between my favorite sport and my country. I chose country. Then @Nike forces me to choose between my favorite shoes and my country. Since when did the American Flag and the National Anthem become offensive? pic.twitter.com/4CVQdTHUH4
— Sean Clancy (@sclancy79) September 3, 2018
However, others pointed out the issue with people tossing and damaging Nike gear they’ve already purchased.
“The people who were burning Tiki torches last year are burning Nike shoes this year. Either way, you’ve got to buy ‘em to burn ‘em. Can’t be too bad for Tiki or Nike. I’ll be buying Nikes for the first time in years this week. To wear. #NikeBoycott.”
“Former Marine current dumbass, he already paid for the socks what point are you trying to prove?”
Kaepernick’s deal with Nike was nearing expiration, but the Associated Press reported it was renegotiated into a multi-year deal. As part of the agreement, Kaepernick’s likeness will be plastered across TV commercials, billboards and online advertisements.
