Canceled Betsy Ross Flag Shoes Show Kaepernick Calls the Shots at Nike

Nike was about to release Betsy Ross Flag-themed shoes for July 4^th. They were in the stores, ready for sale to celebrate Independence Day.

But, Colin Kaepernick, Offended-in-Chief, objected to these shoes, reportedly claiming that some people would be offended by the American flag from the slavery era.

That was enough for Mr. Parker, who canceled the shoes. No debate. No pushback. Just instant, pathetic capitulation.

Arizona’s governor, Doug Ducey, responding to Nike’s asinine, unpatriotic decision, rescinded financial incentives for the iconic shoe supplier to build a manufacturing plant in his state.

Colin Kaepernick, whom Nike lauded last September as a superstar, during the 30^th anniversary of its “Just Do It” campaign, is a failed athlete. He quit the San Francisco 49ers, and no other team would hire him. No matter. He fits the intersectional profile of someone we must admire.

Instead of playing football, he’s dedicated himself to protesting police brutality, which he cannot document, and collecting an endless stream of unearned victimhood awards.

Because race-pandering, virtue-signaling Mark Parker fears Colin Kaepernick, and those who think he walks on water, the former NFL quarterback is now calling the shots at Nike: If Sir Colin is personally offended for any reason, or aggrieved on behalf of others, Parker will dance to his tune.

This is not how a CEO should operate.

The CEO is the Brander-in-Chief. He must manage and control his company’s brand, its value proposition — not let an outsider control it.

Nike’s brand used to be “celebrating winners.” Now, it’s “celebrating whiners.”

Nike has offended many Americans by canceling the Betsy Ross shoes; there is now a #BoycottNike movement on social media. But, Parker doesn’t seem to care about alienating those who love America, only those who hate it.

Unfortunately, the American school system is producing a flood of kids who hate this country, and the mainstream media, and many in the Democratic Party, are in their camp. That’s why Kaepernick has such a strong following.

But, the majority of Americans, who are patriotic and not prone to protesting, are not in their camp. Donald Trump’s victory is evidence of that. Nike, under Parker, has offended them; he should be worried about that.

Nike ruined a huge July 4^th campaign over political correctness. Alas, it was anything but branding and fiscal correctness. The stockholders should and will be angry.

I’m not sure what Nike will do next, but, be assured that Colin Kaepernick will call that shot.

Marc Rudov is a branding advisor to CEOs, speaker, media commentator, and author of "Brand Is Destiny: The Ultimate Bottom Line" and "Be Unique or Be Ignored: The CEO’s Guide to Branding." Find him at MarcRudov.com. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.