CINCINNATI -- By now you’re well aware of the social media backlash Nike is facing after its decision to use Colin Kaepernick as the face of its latest advertising campaign.
Many fired up sports fans and critics are taking a match to their Nike gear in protest. Nike chose Kaepernick to promote the 30th anniversary of its "Just Do It" advertising campaign.
First the @NFL forces me to choose between my favorite sport and my country. I chose country. Then @Nike forces me to choose between my favorite shoes and my country. Since when did the American Flag and the National Anthem become offensive? pic.twitter.com/4CVQdTHUH4
— Sean Clancy (@sclancy79) September 3, 2018
Last year, the former San Francisco 49er began kneeling during the National Anthem to raise awareness about police brutality against African-Americans and other racial injustices. Dozens of other players began joining him.
On Tuesday, at least one Cincinnati City Councilman suggested to those burning Nike attire, to donate the clothing items instead.
In a tweet, P.G. Sittenfeld said anyone finding themselves uncomfortable in their Nike gear should drop off the items at Cincinnati City Hall. Sittenfeld said he, or one of his team members, would drop off the donated items to Cincinnati students.
If anyone in the area is suddenly finding themselves uncomfortable in their #Nike gear, please consider dropping it off or mailing it to City Hall (or my team can even pick it up), and I will personally deliver the items to students in Cincinnati schools. #BelieveInSomething
— P.G. Sittenfeld (@PGSittenfeld) September 4, 2018
Here are more organizations where you can drop off unwanted Nike gear to help out the less fortunate:
- Ohio Valley Goodwill
- Sole Brothers
- Salvation Army (which also accepts sports equipment)
- St. Vincent de Paul
- The Shoe Project(donate at Mojo Running in West Chester)
Kaepernick got rumors about the campaign swirling on Monday with this tweet: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
Nike's campaign also features New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Shaquem Griffin, a rookie linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks whose left hand was amputated when he was a child.
CNN contributed to this report.
