(Photo Credit: Nike/Getty Images)

Nike Pulls “Betsy Ross Flag” Sneaker

After former NFL star Colin Kaepernick criticized Nike for putting a “Betsy Ross flag” on its limited-edition sneakers, Nike pulled the shoe altogether. Kaepernick, who previously stirred controversy by kneeling during the National Anthem to protest police brutality, says the flag is associated with slavery.

After leaving the NFL, Kaepernick signed an endorsement deal with Nike. A controversial Nike ad featured Kaepernick’s face with the line, “Stand for something. Even if it means sacrificing everything,” a reference to Kaepernick’s refusal to stop protesting the National Anthem. Kaepernick believes his outspokenness cost him his NFL contract.

In response to Nike pulling the shoe, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, a Republican, announced he was withdrawing incentives for Nike to build factories in Arizona. He criticized the company as unpatriotic and totally beholden to Kaepernick.

“Instead of celebrating American history the week of our nation’s independence, Nike has apparently decided that Betsy Ross is unworthy, and has bowed to the current onslaught of political correctness and historical revisionism. It is a shameful retreat for the company. American businesses should be proud of our country’s history, not abandoning it,” Ducey said. “Nike has made its decision, and now we’re making ours. I’ve ordered the Arizona Commerce Authority to withdraw all financial incentive dollars under their discretion that the State was providing for the company to locate here.”