Colby Sherwin, Sports Editor
Nike is one of the biggest athletic clothing companies in the world. They recently released an ad with former San Francisco 49’ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick that has caused controversy among the public in regards to the Nike brand and Kaepernick himself.
The ad’s slogan, “Believe in something even if it means giving up everything,” makes reference to Kaepernick’s kneeling during the National Anthem to protest the mistreatment of minorities in his 2016-2017 NFL season.This led to a league-wide protest. As a result, Kaepernick did not have a team in the 2017-2018 season.
One of the main people against the ad is President Donald Trump. When the ad came out on Sept. 5, he was quick to slam Nike.
“Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN. Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts. I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way as far as the NFL is concerned. I just find it hard to watch, and always will until they stand for the FLAG,” Trump said on Twitter.
Nike’s stock has gone up by 65 percent since the ad has come out. Right now, it is at an all time high.
Some people think that Nike should have gone with an athlete that is on a team right now.
Junior Josh Thornton said, “I think they should have gone with someone else. Kaepernick doesn’t even play anymore.”
Others like the cause that Kaepernick is fighting for, as he was kneeling to put a spotlight on police brutality in America.
Junior Tyler Ford said, “I think he is fighting for a good cause. I would like to see political figures handle it better.”
Some people think that the ad makes no sense due to Kaepernick’s political view.
¨The point that Nike is getting through is inspirational to many, and to me what the advertisement is saying is important,” said junior Austin Welch. “However, I believe that the depiction of Colin Kaepernick’s face is unfit for the quote and quite ironic despite Kaepernick’s recent political jabs. In many cases he has been known for his expression of hatred towards our police forces who most certainly have and are currently sacrificing everything they’ve got. This is what I think of when his face is associated with this powerful quote.¨
Nike is one of the most polarizing companies in the world with some of the biggest brands and the biggest stars in sports. Because of this, they got this conversation started among viewers.
