Colleges are cutting ties with Nike after the reveal of their new ad campaign with Colin Kaepernick, the face of kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games.
College of the Ozarks announced its athletes will no longer wear athletic gear with the Nike name or emblem.
“In their new ad campaign, we believe Nike executives are promoting an attitude of division and disrespect toward America,” Jerry C. Davis, president of College of the Ozarks, said in a statement. “If Nike is ashamed of America, we are ashamed of them. We also believe that those who know what sacrifice is all about are more likely to be wearing a military uniform than an athletic uniform.”
Truett McConnell University has followed suit, stating it would no longer purchase or carry apparel by an athletic company that uses someone to market their products who “mocks our troops.” Any profits from remaining Nike gear sold through the campus store will be directly donated to Wounded Warriors and the Fraternal Order of Police.
“America has sacrificially given my family the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Truett McConnell University President Dr. Emir Caner. “My wife, who was raised under the oppression of socialistic communism, became a citizen five years ago, joyfully pledging allegiance to these United States and her flag.”
Liberty University is also looking into terminating their contract with the brand.
“If the company really has animus toward police officers, or if they’re intentionally disrespecting our flag, our veterans, our national anthem, as part of some mission of the company and using their resources to do it, then why deal with them when there are plenty of other good athletic companies out there?” Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. asked during a press conference.
Falwell said he plans to ask Liberty’s legal team about contract termination clauses.
Other schools are telling disgruntled fans that their hands are legally tied.
When asked about the controversy, Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney pointed to the tiger paw logo on his shirt and said, “This is the only logo I care about.”
Tennessee State Sen. Bo Watson, a Republican, has called for a review of any state-funded college or university contract with Nike, stating that he and his constituents want to know what it’s costing taxpayers to do business with Nike.
In the ad, Kaepernick is quoted saying: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” It remains to be seen whether Nike’s controversial ad will help or hurt in the long run, with mixed public opinion polls.
