The National Police Organization has written Nike a formal letter- and they’re big mad.
In a disgruntled letter to Nike CEO, Mark Parker, The National Police Organization is demanding a boycott of all Nike products due to the sports brand using Colin Kaepernick for their ad campaign.⠀⠀⠀
In a letter obtained by TMZ, the organization writes, “In featuring Mr. Kaepernick in the ‘Just Do It’ campaign, Nike grossly insults the men and women who really do make sacrifices for the sake of our nation.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The letter goes on to denounce Nike as a brand stating, “We are calling on all our member officers, their families, and friends to join in boycotting all Nike products.”
Nike has taken a huge risk by standing with Kaepernick despite the mixed feelings surrounding his controversy, and it’s proving to pay off for the apparel giant.
Though some are taking to social media to show themselves burning or mutilating their Nike shoes, others have united in respect and support.
According to Bloomberg, Kaepernick has created $43 million worth of buzz for Nike already. The profit is all in media exposure within the last 24 hours of releasing Kaepernick as the face. Though roughly $10 million of Nike coverage was negative, it is contributing to having an important conversation regarding human rights. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Others to praise the ad include Lebron James, fellow Nike athlete, Serena Williams, and even Tom Brady. Oakland Raiders’ owner, Mark Davis said he was “absolutely” supportive of the deal.
However, The National Police Organization represents more than 241,000 officers, not considering their family and friends who could support the boycott.
“Come on over to Arlington National Cemetery, or to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. or to the trauma unit of a military hospital if you want to learn the meaning of ‘sacrifice’ and why our flag means something to so many,” the letter reads.
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Despite mixed reactions to the Nike endorsement, one thing is for certain; Colin Kaepernick’s name cannot be erased nor ignored. His legacy as a football player and as a civil rights activist has cemented his name in the history books along with other courageous athletes like Bill Russell.
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Trump has not yet commented on the deal, but his opinion is likely to surface (on Twitter) sooner rather than later.
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