Nike has decided to pull an America-themed 4th of July sneaker after former NFL anthem-protester and Nike pitchman Colin Kaepernick found its “Betsy Ross” flag design offensive.
“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. The heel of the new shoe was to feature the American Revolution-era flag, with 13 white stars in a circle, in celebration of the July Fourth holiday. But Kaepernick expressed to company officials that the symbol is offensive because of its connection to an era of slavery.
After shipping the shoes to retailers, Nike asked for them to be returned without explaining why. They are no longer available on Nike’s own apps and websites.