Kenner, Louisiana Mayor Ben Zahn has banned Nike gear from the city’s recreation facilities, WBRZ has reported.
"Under no circumstances will any Nike product or any product with the Nike logo be purchased or used... at any City of Kenner Recreation Facility," the mayor's office said in a memorandum to Parks and Recreation Department Director Chad Pitfield.
The memorandum, which was circulated on social media, said that any booster club operating at city recreation facilities must have their acquisition of athletic equipment, including clothing or shoes, approved by Pitfield.
Earlier this month Nike announced that former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who started the protest of taking a knee during the national anthem to bring attention to social injustice, would be the face of the company’s latest advertising campaign.
That announcement sparked arguments on social media, with some people posting pictures of destroyed Nike gear. However, according to Edison Trends, Nike's online sales went up sharply in the days following the announcement.
Zahn’s directive has received harsh criticism from Kenner councilman Gregory Carroll, according to The New Orleans Advocate.
"I was not made aware of this decision beforehand and it is in direct contradiction of what I stand for and what the City of Kenner should stand for," Carroll said. "I am 100% against this decision. I will meet with the Mayor and other Council members in an effort to rescind this directive."
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