New Orleans suburb won’t purchase Nike’s products
The mayor of a New Orleans suburb banned the city’s parks and recreation department from purchasing Nike products, days after the athletic apparel maker released a controversial ad supporting former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The memo by Mayor Ben Zahn to the parks and recreation director says Nike products cannot be purchased for use at Kenner’s recreation facilities. It also requires the director to approve all athletic purchases by booster clubs using the facilities. The policy sparked a backlash over the weekend with many calling for it to be rescinded.
Zahn’s memo, written last
Wednesday, and a statement Monday clarifying his position didn’t mention Kaepernick specifically. But in the Monday statement, Zahn said while he applauded Nike’s message of inclusion, the company was promoting a “political message” to sell shoes.