The mayor of Kenner, Louisiana, released an internal memo banning the purchase of Nike products at booster clubs and recreation departments the day after the companyannounced their partnershipwith former NFL quarterback,Colin Kaepernick.
“Under no circumstances will any Nike product or any product with the Nike logo be purchased for use or delivery at any City of Kenner Recreation Facility.”
Kaepernick has become the preeminent voice in protesting police brutality since he began kneeling during the national anthem as a member of the San Francisco 49ers in September 2016.
Nike’s decision sparked a boycott of their products, as many conservatives burnt Nike-branded shoes and clothing, then posted photographic evidence on social media. But what also found its way to social media was Zahn’s private memo, and local politicians were not happy about being kept in the dark about the ban.
City of Kenner
On Monday, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell released a statement that stated Zahn’s Nike ban was not in line with “the values the people of New Orleans stand for.”
In a statement to theAdvocateon Monday, Zahn claimed his ban on Nike products was meant to keep taxpayers’ dollars from being used “to promote and sell a political message.”
“I applaud Nike’s message of inclusion and encouragement for everyone to be their best and dream big. But I also recognize that Nike, in its zeal to sell shoes, chose to promote and sell a political message,” Zahn said. “When a company uses its advertising as its own political megaphone, government should be fair to all of its people and not allow taxpayer dollars to be used to help that company push its own political agenda.”
Zahn also clarified that residents are still allowed to wear Nike apparel on city playgrounds — something he says many people have inquired about after the memo went public.
“This government will not let taxpayer dollars be used to promote a company’s or individual’s political position, platform or principle,” he said. “That’s my position as a matter of fairness to all.”
CNNreported that Zahn has previously criticized Kaepernick and NFL players who have kneeled to protest police brutality.
Wilfredo Lee/AP/REX/Shutterstock
On Sunday, Miami Dolphins playersKenny Stills and Albert Wilsonkneeled when the national anthem played at the start of their game against the Tennessee Titans, becoming the first players to do so on the field during the 2018 to 2019 season.
Since Nike announced their partnership with Kaepernick, saleshave increased 31 percent.
source: people.com
