Angry Nike consumers burn products in protest

Cape Town - Nike has received a backlash from some consumers for using former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the face of its “Just Do It” campaign.

Kaepernick, who began a kneeling protest during pre-game playings of the national anthem that eventually aroused the ire of US President Donald Trump, has been unable to secure a contract with an NFL club since becoming a free agent in March 2017.

Kaepernick's protest was an attempt to draw attention to racial inequality in America.

Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018

Nike signed a new sponsorship deal with Kaepernick, who has filed a grievance against the NFL and its owners accusing them of colluding not to hire him, with the slogan for its Just Do It campaign: Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.

While many welcomed the deal, others have threatened to boycott the brand, even burning their Nike products in protest:

This shirt is going back today. Nike world headquarters one Bowerman Dr., Beaverton, OR 97005. I don’t care if it’s tattered ripped unwashed, hats T-shirts hoodies sports theme send it back! If you can’t afford to mail it go to your local Nike store & toss it on the counter!???? pic.twitter.com/04oLMjjixX

— David Frank Mediate (@candlemas3) September 4, 2018

Our Soundman just cut the Nike swoosh off his socks. Former marine. Get ready @Nike multiply that by the millions. pic.twitter.com/h8kj6RXe7j

— John Rich (@johnrich) September 3, 2018

Nike customers are burning their clothes after Colin Kaepernick is made face of brand's campaign...https://t.co/IO7zluJYGH pic.twitter.com/VxVLIbOfpH

— LADbible (@ladbible) September 4, 2018

.@Nike Due to your support of C.K. in your coming adds, I as an American can no longer support your company. #boycottNike #IStandForOurFlag pic.twitter.com/5JxSMD8SSO

— AlterAtYeshiva (@alteratyeshiva) September 4, 2018

He was also one of the luminaries who turned out for the 23-time Grand Slam champion during her US Open showdown with elder sister Venus last Friday.

Especially proud to be a part of the Nike family today. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/GAZtkAIwbk

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 4, 2018

Colin Kaepernick drew our collective attention to the problem of continued racial injustice in America. He did so not to disrespect our flag but to give meaning to the words of the preamble of our Constitution—“in order to form a more perfect union.” Well done, Colin, well done. https://t.co/4ALyUxLjM5

— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) September 4, 2018