Nike sending terrible message with kaepernick ads says trump
A classic example of a political controversy!
On September 3, 2018, President Donald Trump weighed in on the NFL's decision to allow players to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and social injustice. Specifically, he criticized Nike's decision to feature Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback who started the kneeling protest, in their "Just Do It" 30th anniversary campaign.
Trump tweeted: "What was Nike thinking? Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone way down, Nike is now issuing warnings saying that Colin Kaepernick did nothing wrong. Because he wasn't even close to being a good enough quarterback, but people were very impressed with him for standing, or more truthfully, kneeling, during the National Anthem. But now, he's back with Nike, and they're using him to promote their products. I guess just about anything goes when you have a lot of dumb people running around. Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts. I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this bad?"
In response, many people, including athletes, celebrities, and politicians, defended Nike's decision, citing the importance of free speech and the need to address systemic racism and social injustice. Others criticized Trump's comments, arguing that they were divisive and disrespectful to Kaepernick and the NFL players who have been protesting.
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the role of sports in society, the importance of free speech, and the complex issues surrounding race and social justice in the United States.
What are your thoughts on this controversy?