The National Association of Police Organizations has notified Nike chairman and CEO Mark Parker that the group is calling for a boycott on all Nike products after the announcement of a new campaign with Colin Kaepernick.
“In featuring Mr. Kaepernick in the ‘Just Do It’ campaign, Nike grossly insults the men and women who really do make sacrifices for the sake of our nation,” a letter from the group to Nike obtained by TMZ Sports reads.
“We are calling on all our member officers, their families and friends to join in boycotting all Nike products.”
The group also tweeted its dismay to Nike.
Oh, Nike! You are soooo brave!! Holding up Colin Kaepernick as an example of someone who has "sacrificed everything". Right! Come on over to Arlington National Cemetery, or to the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in Washington, D.C…. https://t.co/od3RlpjcYg
— NAPO (@NAPOpolice) September 4, 2018
The organization is one of the largest police groups in the country representing with more than 241,000 officers.
The mammoth shoe company has been receiving criticism and praise after Kaepernick’s new “Just Do It” ad that was announced on Monday. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback had the message “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Nike’s decision has prompted similar criticisms from country star John Rich and UFC contender Tim Kennedy.
Our Soundman just cut the Nike swoosh off his socks. Former marine. Get ready @Nike multiply that by the millions. pic.twitter.com/h8kj6RXe7j
— John Rich (@johnrich) September 3, 2018
Kaepernick has strong support from a cadre of athletes ranging from Serena Williams to LeBron James. Even Tom Brady, who is notoriously apolitical in most of his public sentiments, encouraged Nike’s campaign with Kaepernick.
What for more commentary, as well as the release of the commercial, during the NFL’s season-opening game Thursday night when defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia hosts Atlanta in the first game of the 2018 season.
