9/9/18
By: Jenny Gregory (TMU)
(Cleveland)- In light of the recent marketing ad by Nike, Inc., Truett McConnell University President, Dr. Emir Caner, officially announced Friday morning the school will no longer purchase or carry apparel
by an athletic company who uses someone to market their products who “mocks our troops.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Nike airing its first “Just Do It” ad, narrated by Colin
Kaepernick. The unsigned free agent began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 in
protest of police brutality against African-Americans and minorities in the United States.
The ad, which Kaepernick is quoted saying: "Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing
everything,” will be published on billboards, apparel, and commercials.
“America has sacrificially given my family the freedoms we enjoy today,” said President Caner.
“My wife, who was raised under the oppression of socialistic communism, became a citizen five
years ago, joyfully pledging allegiance to these United States and her flag.”
“For Nike to then hire Colin Kaepernick,” added Caner, “a person known for wearing pigs on his
socks, mocking law enforcement, kneeling against our flag, and mocking our troops, is
reprehensible to my family and to the Truett McConnell family.”
The uproar after the ad was released has even caught the attention of President Trump who
was quoted saying the deal with Kaepernick sends “a terrible message.”
As of the ads public airing, the Truett McConnell President says the university will be
“discontinuing our relationship with Nike in athletics and our campus store. Any profits from
remaining Nike gear sold through our campus store will be directly donated to Wounded
Warriors and the Fraternal Order of Police.”
“If Nike chooses to apologize to our troops and to our law enforcement officers, then – and only
then – will TMU reconsider their brand,” said President Caner. “In the meanwhile, let us honor
true heroes, those who protect us daily, some even sacrificing their own lives. They are the true
heroes.”
Good for TMU!! We will not be supporting Nike either. God Bess America, our law enforcement, and our troops that serve this great land.
Thanks TMU for taking a stand against Nike products. I too will no longer buy anything from them nor will I buy Converse as they are owned by Nike. God bless TMU and everyone who protects our country.
Mr. Kaepernick is mocking troops. He kneels to call attention to police shootings. And I find it very ironic the people kneel before Jesus in and a man kneels to propose. Kneeling itself is a very much acceptable form of respect.
For TMC to say that he mocks the troops is patently wrong.