Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers (Image: Getty)
Hundreds of Nike consumers voiced outrage this week after the sports apparel company decided to feature Colin Kaepernick in its latest advertisement campaign.
Fans quickly started burning Nike shoes and other sportswear after the brand chose the free-agent NFL quarterback as the face of the 30th anniversary edition of its “Just Do It” ad campaign.
Kaepernick started drawing headlines in August 2016 after he began a series of controversial national anthem protests before football games in order to make a statement about racial inequality and police brutality against minorities in the United States. His actions sparked similar protests across the NFL and other major sports leagues.
Last week, a judge ruled in favor of Kapernick in a case involving a grievance he filed against all 32 NFL teams accusing them of collusion to keep him out of the league. The quarterback hasn’t played in the league since the San Francisco 49ers released him in March 2017.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
The ad featuring Kaepernick includes the phrase: “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything,” which seems appropriate to describe the free agent’s philosophy on making socio-political statements.
SLIDESHOW: 30 Best Sports Instagrams!
Dozens of fans shared photos and videos of themselves burning or otherwise destroying their Nike shoes as a way to boycott the company for its most recent decision.
Other fans appeared to support Nike and Kaepernick, however, by purchasing merchandise from the brand.
Nike’s new ads also feature New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. — who recently became one of the highest-paid wideouts in the league — and rookie Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who had his left hand amputated as a child.
30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW
Kaepernick has received tributes from many organizations for his social justice work over the last year. In April, he was named Amnesty International’s 2018 Ambassador of Conscience.
Phil Mickelson has denied any wrongdoing after he was reportedly removed from The Farms Golf…
As Guillermo Ochoa prepares for what could be the final chapter of his legendary soccer…
Conor McGregor continues to dominate headlines as speculation grows over the former UFC superstar's return…
Real Madrid has completed the signing of Spain international Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, adding one…
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has revealed that Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has signed with…
Fresh off one of the biggest wins of his career, Justin Gaethje has been handed…