A stunning and simple image of former San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick emerged on Labor Day - his solemn face starting in a black-and-white Nike ad with these poignant words: "Believe in something".
The ad elicited a strong response, as expected, with several athletes, celebrities and politicians showing support of the campaign while others took to social media to cut the Nike swooshes off their own clothes and burn their Nike sneakers in protest.
That moment is now, as he becomes the face of the company's 30th anniversary of the "Just Do It" campaign.
Adidas stocks are also down nearly 2% today. Something which Rich referenced in his many tweets criticizing the company.
Others have suggested that if people burning their Nike merchandise really cared about supporting veterans and felt that Kaepernick's protests, and Nike's partnership by extension, insulted veterans and the military, then they would have donated their goods to a charity that supports veterans, instead of making an ashen gesture.
Trump described players like Kaepernick who knelt for the anthem as "sons of bitches" who should be fired.
Shares of Nike Inc. dropped 2 percent. Nike also will create an apparel line for Kaepernick and contribute to his Know Your Rights charity, the person said.
More news: Dalot ready to repay Mourinho for faith in himQuarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee as the United States national anthem was played to protest racism.
"Nike has been a long-time and trusted partner of National Football League and we're thrilled to extend our relationship with them", the NFL's chief media and business officer Brian Rolapp said at the time.
In ongoing litigation, Kaepernick alleges the league and all 32 teams colluded to keep him unsigned because of his outspoken political views.
The case, which was allowed to go to trial, hinges on whether owners worked together rather than decided individually not to sign Kaepernick.
The ad's release comes just days after Kaepernick was cheered by spectators when he appeared alongside fellow player and activist Eric Reid at the US Open tennis tournament to watch Serena Williams on Friday.
They are still angry over the NFL's refusal to suspend players who abstained from standing for the national anthem last season. Owners approved a policy requiring players to stand if they are on the sideline during The Star-Spangled Banner, allowing them to stay off the field if they wish.
