Kenner, Louisianna, Mayor Ben Zahn is reportedly banning all Nike sports products from his city athletic program. As Fox News reports, the decision was taken after the athletic wear giant made protesting footballer Colin Kaepernick as its chief advertising pitchman.
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In a memo first reported by WBRZ 2 television on Saturday, Zahan wrote that “[u]nder no circumstances” can any Nike apparel or equipment be “purchased for use or delivery” at city sports complexes.
“Effective immediately, all purchases made by any booster club operating at any Kenner Recreation Facility for wearing apparel, shoes, athletic equipment and/or any athletic product must be approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation, or his designee,” the memo states.
Nike’s decision to make Kaepernick the focus of its “Just Do It” slogan has been hugely controversial, dividing the country between those who support and oppose the Kaepernick-engineered NFL protest to not stand during the playing of the national anthem as a statement against alleged police brutality.
Although the decision has sparked outrage on social media and a negative response from some schools and stores, Nike appears to be benefiting from the ad campaign with increased sales, Fox noted.