The mayor of Kenner City, Louisiana, is facing a backlash after apparently ordering a ban on the purchase of Nike products, amid the bitter row over the sportswear giant’s association with former NFL player Colin Kaepernick.
A memo circulating on social media, and appearing to bear Mayor E. Ben Zahn III's signature, prohibits the purchase of Nike products by the city’s recreation department.
"Under no circumstances will any Nike product or any product with the Nike logo be purchased or used...at any City of Kenner Recreation Facility," reads the memo, which is addressed to Parks and Recreation Department Director Chad Pitfield.
The mayor of Kenner, Louisiana has issued a memorandum demanding that the city’s recreational department no longer purchase or accept delivery of Nike athletic products or any apparel that features the brand’s logo. pic.twitter.com/x8PNyjU6Xe
— BallerAlert (@balleralert) September 9, 2018
The move comes after Nike revealed its choice of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kaepernick as the face of its 30th anniversary ‘Just Do It’ campaign.
Nike’s choice to use Kaepernick – who began the ‘take a knee’ protests that swept the NFL – prompted a backlash, with some customers vowing to boycott the brand and others burning its merchandise.
READ MORE: #JustBurnIt: Furious Nike customers destroy sports gear over Kaepernick ad (VIDEOS)
Zahn’s decision to cease deliveries of goods from the company has similarly ignited a row, with the Louisiana Democrats branding it “an undemocratic abuse of power,” while political analyst Donna Brazile slammed it as “troubling.”
Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn failed to inform members of his own city council before releasing the memorandum. Not only is this discriminatory, it’s an undemocratic abuse of power. Your personal beliefs shouldn’t dictate how thousands of your constituents live their lives. pic.twitter.com/bjdeFvEIZg
— Louisiana Democrats (@LaDemos) September 10, 2018
I was born in New Orleans and raised in Kenner. My family resides throughout the region and I have a home there. This is troubling and I will speak up.
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) September 9, 2018
Others launched a ‘Kenner Just Do It campaign,’ while some vowed to prevent the order from ever being enforced.
Gah - on this Kenner/Nike thing. This a Ben Zahn alone attempt. NOT a JP either. Kenner Council Reps are horrified and taking action Monday. As a Jefferson Chamber Board Member, I will be checking on our status of putting out any formal notice of disapproval tomorrow.
— Julie Couret (@JulieTCouret) September 9, 2018
Zahn has previously criticized the NFL protests, with a clip from an event last week showing him state: "This is the city of Kenner. In the city of Kenner, we all stand. We're going to be proud of that."
The row over the anthem protests continues to rumble on, with several NFL players kneeling over the weekend.
Miami Dolphins pair Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson both protested during the US national anthem on Sunday, with Kaepernick tweeting his thanks.
My Brothers @kstills and @ithinkisee12 continue to show their unwavering strength by fighting for the oppressed! They have not backed down, even when attacked and intimidated. Their courage will move the world forward!
“Love is at the root of our resistance!”✊