Critics have burned Nike trainers and clothing in protest at Colin Kaepernick’s appointment as the face of the brand’s new advertising campaign.
The American football quarterback, 30, protested against racial injustice and police brutality by kneeling during the US national anthem.
In announcing the deal, Nike said he was “one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation”.
But opponents took to social media, promising to destroy Nike products.
On Twitter, they hit out at the deal using the hashtag #JustBurnIt – a play on Nike’s slogan “Just Do It” – which trended on Twitter alongside #BoycottNike.
In an interview with the Daily Caller, President Donald Trump, who has been strongly critical of the protest movement Kaepernick sparked, said: “I think as far as sending a message, I think it’s a terrible message and a message that shouldn’t be sent.”
The NFL said it “embraces the role and responsibility of everyone involved with this game to promote meaningful, positive change in our communities”.
Country singer John Rich tweeted a photo of a pair of Nike socks with the brand’s swoosh logo cut off.
However, another Twitter user Teri Shockey countered: “To everyone who is planning to #JustBurnIt, might I suggest you donate your @Nike merch instead? Plenty of people in need, including vets and families of active duty military, would be more than grateful to wear it. #JustDoIt”
Source: BBC
