Mayor Issues a Ban on Nike Swoosh After Seeing New Ads

/0 Comments/in , /by

To adapt a phrase from Nike, a Louisiana mayor just did it. And now there is a fuss and furor raging in Kenner, Louisiana.

Last week, Nike unveiled its new ad campaign featuring national anthem protester and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick that carried the slogan, “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” The announcement sparked a backlash against Nike and Kaepernick, who has used police actions against African Americans as the basis for his anti-anthem protests.

Amid the controversy, a brusquely-worded memo by Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn took on a politically charged meaning. The memo was not publicly released, but came to light by making the rounds on social media.

The memo instructed that any gear or other items purchased for booster clubs that use the community’s recreation facilities must be purchased by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Then came the hammer.

“Under no circumstances will any Nike product or any product with the Nike logo be purchased for use or delivery at any City of Kenner Recreation Facility,” Zahn wrote in the memo addressed to the Parks and Recreation Department, reported WDSU.

Despite the media interest generated by the memo, Zahn is not talking. The New Orleans Times-Picayune, along with other media outlets, reported that city officials will not discuss the memo and that Zahn could not be reached for comment.

A video shared on Twitter illustrates his attitude toward standing for the anthem.

But if Zahn has nothing further to say, others are more than happy to fill the void, including national figures who shone the light of their outrage on the 67,000-person community.

Kenner Booster Club President Owen Rey told WWL that Zahn should worry more about what he can get for kids and not the politics of the company.

“If we have something that we feel that we want that’s going to benefit our kids, it shouldn’t matter what logo, what brand — as long as it helps the kids and what we’re trying to accomplish at the park,” he said.

Council member Gregory Carroll objected, and made his case on his Facebook page.

“Last night a disturbing memorandum was circulated that the City of Kenner Mayor E. Ben Zahn wrote to the Kenner Recreation Director, directing him, regarding Booster Club Purchases, banning Nike products, usage or delivery of all Kenner Recreational Facilities. I was not made aware of this decision beforehand and it is in direct contradiction of what I stand for and what the City of Kenner should stand for,” he wrote.

The council member said he plans to push back.

“I am 100% AGAINST this decision. I will meet with the Mayor and other Council members in an effort to rescind this directive. I will keep the citizens of Kenner, and the Greater New Orleans area informed as we move forward,” he wrote. (Read more from “Mayor Issues a Ban on Nike Swoosh After Seeing New Ads” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.

You might also like
Bill Gates gives $100k to support gay marriage in Washington State
Nike Stock Drops as Furious Ex-Fans Burn Gear
College Kicks Nike to the Curb: ‘If Nike Is Ashamed of America, We Are Ashamed of Them’
UFC Champ Goes on Vulgar Tirade Against Nike Over Kaepernick Deal
Just Blew It: Nike Favorability Drops by Double-Digits
Widow of Fallen Officer Pens Open Letter to Nike on Kaepernick Campaign — It’s a Must-Read