Furious Nike customers have been venting their anger over the company’s decision to use NFL player Colin Kaepernick as the face of its new advertising campaign.
The step to use former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kaepernick – who began the controversial ‘take a knee’ anthem protests at perceived social injustice in the US – was announced by Nike on Monday.
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While the move was met with widespread praise, it was also greeted with anger by many who see the Kaepernick-initiated protests as disrespectful to the US flag.
Some angry customers posted footage of them burning or destroying Nike sports gear, alongside the hashtags #JustBurnIt and #BoycottNike.
Nike’s move to use Kaepernick as the face of its new campaign was revealed on Monday, in celebration of 30 years of the company's 'Just Do It' slogan.
Despite the fiery protests, many hailed the step for helping to promote the causes pursued by Kaepernick.
Kaepernick has been without a club since opting out of his contract with the 49ers in March of last year.
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He is currently pursuing a case against NFL owners over alleged collusion not to sign him due to his social activism.