National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) Letter to Nike, Inc., Condemning Kaepernick Campaign

The National Association of Police Organizations has fired off a letter to Nike chairman and CEO Mark Parker, saying the org. is now calling for a boycott of all Nike products.

“In featuring Mr. 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,”

September 4, 2018

Mr. Mark Parker
Chairman, President and CEO
Nike World Headquarters
One Bowerman Drive
Beaverton, Oregon 97005

Re: Colin Kaepernick and Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaign

Dear Chairman Parker,

On behalf of the more than 241,000 law enforcement officers represented by our Association
across the country, I write to you to condemn in the strongest possible terms your selection of
Colin Kaepernick for Nike’s “Just Do It” ad campaign. Mr. 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 Mr. 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 and Girls Clubs
and Big Brother/Big Sister programs where our officers donate their time and energy. They
deserve to have the respect and full support of corporate citizens like Nike.

Adding to the insult is the image of Mr. Kaepernick from the campaign featuring the quote
“Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” The fact that Mr. Kaepernick
is no longer a starting NFL player does not equate to him being someone who has “sacrificed
everything”. 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”.

In featuring Mr. 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.

Sincerely,
Michael McHale
President