On behalf law enforcement officers, I write to condemn in the strongest possible terms Nike’s selection of Colin Kaepernick for its “Just Do It” ad campaign.
Kaepernick is known, not as a successful athlete, but as a shallow dilettante seeking to gain notoriety by disrespecting the flag for which so many Americans have fought and died. The inclusion of Kaepernick in Nike’s “Just Do It” ad campaign also perpetuates the falsehood that police are racist and aiming to use force against African Americans and persons of color.
In reality, officers across the nation risk their lives not only protecting the athletes featured in Nike’s various campaigns, but also serve aspiring athletes across the country who use the Nike brand, through the thousands of police athletic leagues, Boys & Girls Clubs and Big Brother/Big Sister programs where our officers donate their time and energy. In featuring Kaepernick in the “Just Do It” campaign, Nike grossly insults the men and women who really do make sacrifices for the sake of our nation. We are calling on all our member officers, their families and friends to join in boycotting all Nike products.
To truly understand what it means to “believe in something” and “sacrifice everything,” you should look to Arlington National Cemetery, or to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., or to the trauma unit of a military hospital. The brave men and women of every race and color buried there, memorialized there, healing there, believed in this nation and our flag and exemplify the true meaning of “sacrifice.”
Sam Cheyne
Marysville
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