One US-hating sports celebrity offended by Nike shoes with US flag - so Nike withdraws them from sale
Thursday, 04 July 2019
I can't improve on this bloke's take!
For the blissfully unaware of what passes for corporate governance in the United States, here's a little background to this story from CNN.
New York (CNN Business)Nike is canceling a sneaker that featured the "Betsy Ross" version of the American flag from the late 18th century.
"Nike made the decision to halt distribution of the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July based on concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation's patriotic holiday," Nike said in a statement to CNN Business. "Nike is a company proud of its American heritage."
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that Nike (NKE) delivered the sneakers to retailers, but asked stores to return them to Nike after the company received a complaint from former NFL star Colin Kaepernick. The Journal indicated Kaepernick said he and others found the shoe offensive because of its ties to America's era of slavery.
ENDS
PS - an update from the incomparable Jill Jacks - the old Betsy Ross flag's fallen out of favour pretty darn quickly!