Nike has pulled its new Independence Day-themed Betsy Ross sneakers from stores after backlash on the design’s history.
Critics included activist and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who expressed concerns about its design, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
Kaepernick reached out to company officials saying that he and others felt the Betsy Ross flag is an offensive symbol because of its connection to an era of slavery, WSJ reported. Kaepernick was the face of Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do It” advertising campaign last year.
“Nike has chosen not to release the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July as it featured the old version of the American flag,” a Nike spokeswoman said.
In response to Nike’s decision to pull Betsy Ross American flag sneakers, Arizona Republican Governor Doug Ducey said today that he’s rescinding financial incentives recently offered to the maker of athletic shoes to build a $185 million plant and bring 500 jobs to the state.
