Kevin Sorbo Share’s Post About Returning Nikes Because they “Hurt My Feet When I Stand for the National Anthem”
By Tess Farrand, Staff Writer
Outspoken Christian actor, director and producer, Kevin Sorbo (GOD’S NOT DEAD, WHAT IF) has his own two cents to add to the buzzing conversation surrounding Nike’s newest ad campaign.
Nike sponsored 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick back in 2011 but was hesitant to publicize their partnership as the athlete started kneeling during the National Anthem at football games as a form of silent protest against police brutality.
Earlier this month Kaepernick unveiled Nike’s new sponsorship on his social media that reads, “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” The photo shows a close up of Kaepernick’s face with the words inscribed underneath and the Nike’s signature swoosh in the background.
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
The campaign is a bold move by the sportswear company as it will alienate many conservative customers, like Sorbo, who view Kaepernick’s “kneeling movement” as an insult against soldiers and police officers who put their lives on the line to ensure the freedom to protest. Nike’s VP of Brand for North America, Gino Fisanotti praised the athlete. “We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward.”
Nike holds a monopoly on sportswear across the U.S. and internationally. The brand started in the 60’s and exponentially grew to showcase talents of American athletes and become a symbol athletic achievement.
Even so, Sorbo is sick of the “hype.” Five days after the ad was posted online, Sorbo’s official Facebook Page gave followers a snippet of his view, stating that he returned his Nike shoes because they hurt his feet while standing for the national anthem. Sorbo doesn’t make it clear if he actually did so, or if he shared the post as a joke since memes like this have circulated the internet.
The actor told CNS News, “Horrible move by them to compare the millions he is still being paid by the NFL and the millions Nike [may have given] him to whine about his misfortune and how he ‘sacrificed’ everything to make a stand against police brutality when true heroes gave their lives to protect his right to whine,” He added, “Only in America can you fail upwardly in sports.”
Aaron Goldman of 4C insights comments, “You can be darn sure that Nike has done its research and knows what will move its product and who this campaign will resonate with.” He went on to say, “They are the ones [Nike has] decided will be its future customers, so, if others are getting upset, [Nike has] planned for that, and it doesn’t care.”
Fisanotti added that the new Nike campaign with Kaepernick is targeted at 15-17-year old’s and hopes to reinvigorate the brand on the eve of their 30-year “Just Do It” anniversary. Kaepernick is also suing NFL owners for supposedly conspiring to keep him out of the league.
On the same day as the ad’s release, Nike’s stock went down 3.2% when the hashtag #BoycottNike was trending on Twitter. Yet, online sales of the brand grew 31%, and their stock has recovered from its initial dip.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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