College of the Ozarks, a small Christian school near Branson, Missouri, said it will end its affiliation with Nike because it doesn’t like the new “Just Do It” campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick.
Ironically, even though the school has an athletics program, it doesn’t have a football team.
Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/x5TnU7Z51i
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 5, 2018
The school’s vice president of Patriotic Activities and Dean of Admissions (which apparently is a real title) said in a statement: “In their new ad campaign, we believe Nike executives are promoting an attitude of division and disrespect toward America. If Nike is ashamed of America, we are ashamed of them. We also believe that those who know what sacrifice is all about are more likely to be wearing a military uniform than an athletic uniform … Nike is free to campaign as it sees fit, as the College is free, and honor-bound by its mission and goals, to ensure that it respects our country and those who truly served and sacrificed.”
In no part of the campaign does Nike say it is “ashamed of America.”
The campaign features an image of the free agent NFL quarterback—the player who started the pregame demonstrations by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racism and police brutality—along with the words, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
