Don’t expect to see the Nike “swoosh” anytime in the Howell Keeter Athletic Complex. Well, at least, no Bobcat athlete will be wearing the apparel.
The School of the Ozarks has announced that they will no longer wear the company’s brand after the company’s deal with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick
The Nike advertisement features Keapnerick, who was the player that began kneeling during the National Anthem to protest what he deems as wrongdoings to African Americans and other minorities in the United States
“In their new ad campaign, we believe Nike executives are promoting an attitude of division and disrespect toward America,” said College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis in a statement. “If Nike is ashamed of America, we are ashamed of them. We also believe that those who know what sacrifice is all about are more likely to be wearing a military uniform than an athletic uniform.”
Dr. Marci Linson, vice president for patriotic activities and dean of admissions, agrees with Davis.
“Nike is free to campaign as it sees fit, as the College is free, and honor-bound by its mission and goals, to ensure that it respects our country and those who truly served and sacrificed,” Linson says.
The College has been extremely consistent in standing up for its core values. They gave up hosting the NAIA Division II National Basketball Championships after the organization refused to require that all teams commit to requiring their players to stand for the National Anthem.
