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Nike Recalls ‘Betsy Ross Flag’ Sneakers After Colin Kaepernick Protest, Arizona Pulls Its Support For Company

Nike is taking a big-hit from critics about its limited-edition Betsy Ross sneaker.

Nike released a limited-edition sneaker for Independence Day on July 1 and retailed for $110. However, after many people expressed their concerns about it the brand pulled it off the shelves.

One of the critics was Colin Kaepernick, activist, former NFL quarterback and face of Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign. According to The Wall Street Journal, Kaepernick urged Nike to nix the shoe because of the flag’s problematic history.

While many people agreed with Kaepernick, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) was not among them. He called the decision a “shameful retreat” in a series of tweets making statements about pulling financial incentives for building a new manufacturing plant in the state.

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“Nike has made its decision, and now we’re making ours,” tweeted Ducey. “I’ve ordered the Arizona Commerce Authority to withdraw all financial incentive dollars under their discretion that the State was providing for the company to locate here.”

“Arizona’s economy is doing just fine without Nike. We don’t need to suck up to companies that consciously denigrate our nation’s history.”


According to local news outlet ABC 15 Arizona, the plant would have created more than 500 full-time jobs.

The flag, which was created around the time of the American Revolution, flew in the United States decades before slavery was abolished.

Some people were able to purchase the recalled sneaker and a few pairs have been sold this week for more than $1,000.

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Eileen Nguyen

View Comments

  • If I were a retailer I'd stop selling all Nike everything. As a matter of fact everyone I know isn't going to buy anything Nike ever again. Maybe Kipper whoever he is can support your company. Loving it that he isn't a 49r anymore

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