As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick told Nike that he found the flag put on its limited edition, USA-themed sneakers offensive. The company planned to release the shoes to be timed with the Fourth of July and has since canceled the launch.
For some background context: Kaepernick’s feedback isn’t out of the left field. The activist against police brutality (and particularly the way police violence targets black men) has endorsed Nike and appeared in numerous of the company’s advertising campaigns in the past couple of years, since he first began kneeling during the national anthem in peaceful protest, and became a national name outside of football.
What was offensive about the flag in this case? Well, it’s the same flag (sometimes referred to as the “Betsy Ross flag”) used when the USA still had slavery, designed by Betsy Ross during the American Revolution. So, yeah—it’s offensive.
Also, even today, some white nationalists have taken a liking to this version of the flag, for obvious reason.
In a company statement to CNN Business, Nike says, "Nike has chosen not to release the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July as it featured an old version of the American flag.” Thus far, Nike hasn’t clarified where its thinking was at the design’s inception.
In terms of appearance, the shoes have an embroidered red, white, and blue flag that has 13 stars. Which, as a reminder, represents the 13 original colonies.
Here’s an image of a pair:
Many on social media are proud of Kaepernick and Nike’s ability to listen:
While others, including Republican politicians, aren’t quite getting it:
NPR notes that the shoes, which were originally valued at $140 per pair, have now launched the limited amount available into high, high prices. They’re collectibles, basically. Nike pulled the sneakers after they’d already shipped pairs to some retailers, so people who were able to get their hands on them can now sell them for big bucks—up to $2,500 on some sites.
Kaepernick has yet to release a public comment.