A small, Georgia Christian college has decided to cut ties with Nike due to its Colin Kaepernick ad campaign, claiming that the former NFL quarterback “mocks our troops.”
I’m not sure what they teach at Truett McConnell University, but perhaps they should add reading and listening comprehension to all freshman required courses, because, for the last time, Kaepernick’s protest during the national anthem has nothing to do with the military or even the flag itself and has everything to do with the inequalities that still exist in the United States when it comes to people of color.
But nonetheless, on Friday, the school announced that it will stop purchasing and carrying apparel by Nike in its campus store.
“America has sacrificially given my family the freedoms we enjoy today,” President Caner said in a press release. “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.”
“For Nike to then hire Colin Kaepernick, a person known for wearing pigs on his socks, mocking law enforcement, kneeling against our flag, and mocking our troops, is reprehensible to my family and to the Truett McConnell family,” he added.
Caner said that any profits from remaining Nike gear will be donated to Wounded Warriors and the Fraternal Order of Police, which, good for you, you can stand up for something you believe in too, even if it is in this case, technically misinformed.
“If Nike chooses to apologize to our troops and to our law enforcement officers, then – and only then – will TMU reconsider their brand,” Caner said. “In the meanwhile, let us honor true heroes, those who protect us daily, some even sacrificing their own lives. They are the true heroes.”
I’m sure Nike knew what they were doing when they decided to air the Kaepernick ad, I am sure they anticipated some losses.
It is, however, a shame that many people still do not understand Kaepernick’s protest and the fight for equality for Black lives.
