Nike Pulled These Betsy Ross Flag Sneakers Because Colin Kaepernick Complained About Them

According to The Wall Street Journal, Nike was all set to release the new Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July, which featured a logo of the original U.S. flag, the design of which by popular lore is credited to Betsy Ross, with 13 stars in a circle, but didn't. Why? Former NFL QB Colin Kaepernick old Nike it shouldn't use that version of the flag, as he and others consider it an offensive symbol due to its connection to a time when slavery was legal. Nike released a statement that went like this...

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In a statement, Nike said it chose not to release the shoe "as it featured an old version of the American flag."

Nike released a second statement later Tuesday, saying, "We regularly make business decisions to withdraw initiatives, products and services. NIKE made the decision to halt distribution of the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July based on concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation's patriotic holiday.

"Nike is a company proud of its American heritage and our continuing engagement supporting thousands of American athletes including the US Olympic team and US Soccer teams. We already employ 35,000 people in the U.S. and remain committed to creating jobs in the U.S., including a significant investment in an additional manufacturing center which will create 500 new jobs."

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