Arizona governor says he's 'embarrassed for Nike' after it pulls Betsy Ross Flag sneaker design over racism concerns
On Monday, Nike announced that it would not be releasing an Independence Day-themed Air Max 1 sneaker design over concerns raised by brand ambassador, former NFL star and activist Colin Kaepernick that the shoe’s Betsy Ross Flag tribute celebrated the slavery era and had been co-opted by white nationalists. The shoe launch had been timed to mark July 4.
“Nike has chosen not to release the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July as it featured an old version of the American flag,” a spokesman for the brand said.
Nike’s decision has set off a series of scathing tweets from Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. On Tuesday, the Republican leader blasted Nike for “making a shameful retreat” and “abandoning” American history, adding that he was “embarrassed for Nike.”
And then this news broke yesterday afternoon. 2/https://t.co/NmM8OPGR0G
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) July 2, 2019
Nike is an iconic American brand and American company. This country, our system of government and free enterprise have allowed them to prosper and flourish. 4/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) July 2, 2019
It is a shameful retreat for the company. American businesses should be proud of our country’s history, not abandoning it. 6/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) July 2, 2019
What’s more, Ducey announced that, in response to the dis against “founding mother” Ross, he has “ordered the Arizona Commerce Authority to withdraw all financial incentive dollars under their discretion that the State was providing for the company to locate here.”
Arizona’s economy is doing just fine without Nike. We don’t need to suck up to companies that consciously denigrate our nation’s history. 8/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) July 2, 2019
On Monday, the same day Nike announced its plans to boot the Betsy Ross Flag shoe, the city council in Goodyear, Ariz. voted unanimously to approve the company’s plans to set up its third manufacturing facility. According to the Arizona Republic, Nike’s deal with the city of Goodyear would see the creation of at least 505 full-time jobs within five years.
But Ducey is now pulling state support for the deal.
“Arizona’s economy is doing just fine without Nike,” he tweeted. “We don’t need to suck up to companies that consciously denigrate our nation’s history.”
He ended his thread with a message of support for Betsy Ross.
“And finally, it shouldn’t take a controversy over a shoe for our kids to know who Betsy Ross is,” Ducey wrote. “A founding mother. Her story should be taught in all American schools. In the meantime, it’s worth Googling her.”
Ducey’s rant has divided commenters, with some cheering him for calling out Nike and “standing up for what’s right.”
Proud of you for standing up for what’s right. Part of what makes our country great is how we evolved and changed for the better, not how we erased our mistakes! We loved our past Arizona vacations and will plan even more now!
— CAVU (@LivingaCAVUlife) July 2, 2019
We should honor and support the history of our flag. Nike is so wrong to do this. I am offended. This Democrat is very disappointed and disgusted by the behaviors of Nike. I have worn Nike since the 80s. No longer! I will actually stand with the governor with this one.
— Erv (@ervterry) July 2, 2019
I am following you now because of the rightful move you have made. Much respect!!!
— Sheila Jetton-Hartman (@JettonSheila) July 2, 2019
Others questioned his outrage and voiced support for Nike.
I wish you were as outraged about the children taken away from their parents. #KidsInCages #FamiliesBelongTogether
— Joyce S (@WholeInCenter) July 2, 2019
White supremacy use the flag as a symbol but of course why to bother about it. @NIKE did the right thing
— We the people 🌊🌊 (@rhdrm) July 2, 2019
Triggered by a pair of shoes...?🤦?♂?
— Nick (@ThresherNick) July 2, 2019
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has also decried Nike’s actions, accusing the brand of trying to appeal to “people who hate the American flag.”
It’s a good thing @Nike only wants to sell sneakers to people who hate the American flag.... @NFL #HappyFourth https://t.co/G6w8vDjvLP
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 2, 2019
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.