Nike, the NFL, and Kaepernick: Our Take

Straight Talk

Nike recently created a commercial in celebration of the 30th anniversary of its "Just Do It" ad campaign. It is scheduled to air during the NFL's season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, and celebrates Kaepernick and other athletes. But some have begun to boycott Nike in opposition to his inclusion. Kaepernick’s call at the end of the commercial to “believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything” references his ongoing battle against the NFL, which he accuses of keeping him out of the NFL over his kneeling protests against racial injustice and the police killings of unarmed black men and women. Others, however, believe the protests are an employment issue, disrespectful to the flag and America, and an affront to the veterans who have fought and died in service. Join us as we discuss this and related issues.