Sports Business

Nike Supports Grizzlies' Star Ja Morant after Viral IG Live Video by Hussein Abdullahi

Nike Stands in Support of Grizzlies’ Ja Morant after Viral Video

Nike has decided to support their youngest superstar Ja Morant following an Instagram live video circulating online. This comes months after the corporate sneaker giant cut ties with NBA star guard Kyrie Irving. In the video, Morant brandished a firearm while at a nightclub in Denver. In the following hours, the Memphis Grizzlies suspended Morant for two games. On Wednesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Ja Morant is suspended for eight games for conduct detrimental to the league. The suspension covers the six games missed, including Wednesday night vs. The Heat. Morant has left a counselling program in Florida and is eligible to play on Monday vs. Dallas Mavericks. To conclude the NBA’s ongoing investigation Morant met with the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on this matter. The meeting finalized the last step in the process for Morant. Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement and said,

“ Ja's conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior.”

The investigation included extensive reports of which Morant was the subject. The allegation of Morant included threatening a mall security guard and punching a teenager during a pick-up basketball game. Despite Morant’s problematic behavior, Nike released a statement and said,

"We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support the prioritization of his well-being.”

Nike, which has a signature sneaker line with Morant, received backlash from fans for backing the Grizzlies star. A few months earlier, Nike ended its partnership with NBA star Kyrie Irving. Nike failed to publicly support Irving, raising an uproar across the sports world. Several NBA players expressed their thoughts on Nike’s stance, highlighting the company’s selective morality. Still, that has not stopped the corporate sneaker giant from unethical business practices. Their history of human rights violations in Asia and the diametrically opposite stances involving Morant-Irving highlights the lack of corporate leadership. Phil Knight openly expressed “Kyrie stepped over the line It’s kind of that simple. He made some statements that we just can’t abide by, and that’s why we ended the relationship. I was fine with that.”

The hypocrisy of Nike for their lack of action showed towards Grizzlies star Morant proves that endorsing a product in exchange for millions is more important than company values. In other words — Nike cares about millions over ethics. Nike continues to leverage brand partnerships to maximize their ROI. The Morant case highlights the problematic dangers corporate sneaker brands face when partnering with athletes in exchange for millions. Morant is a two-time All-Star, former Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved player. Morant is touted as the young face of the league, and that comes with a certain sense of responsibility. As for, Nike, they’ve doubled down on their investment. Morant will have to keep a squeaky-clean image for his career.

Written by: Hussein Abdullahi

Featuring: Ja Morant

Published By: TGQ Inc.




Corporate Sneaker Giant Nike ends Partnership with Kyrie Irving by Hussein Abdullahi

Corporate Sneaker Giant Nike ends partnership with Kyrie Irving

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving takes the floor against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

Kyrie Irving and Nike are no longer in a perfect marriage. One month after Nike’s initial suspension, the sides have parted ways as confirmed on Monday by a Nike Spokesperson. Kyrie Irving signed with Nike back in 2011 and his sneakers were a top-five seller for the company. In early November, Nike suspended its partnership with Irving after promoting a film that contained antisemitic material. Although Irving publicly apologized for denouncing antisemitism to the NBA, his actions crossed the line for Nike.

On November 10th, Co-founder Phil Knight addressed this matter and acknowledged that Irving's remarks were against Nike’s values as a company via CNBC:

“Kyrie stepped over the line. it’s kind of that simple, He made some statements that we just can’t abide by, and why we ended the relationship. I was fine with that.”We look at who we sign and how much we pay and we look not only at how good the athlete is but what his or her character are, it's not an exact science but it's a process that we go through with a lot of intensity and with a lot of people sticking their hand in it.”

Knight’s comments were quite alarming for several players around the NBA. The Celtics Forward Jaylen Brown who’s been in support of Irving expressed his thoughts on Twitter.

“Since when did Nike care about ethics?” Brown tweeted hours after Knight’s comments were made. Brown was referring to Nike’s history of sweatshops and forced labours in Asia to make its products. Nike has been under public scrutiny for its exploitation of its workers. Brown calls out Nike's hypocrisy in the way they treated Irving.

Kyrie Irving’s signature endorsement agreement was set to expire on October 1st, 2023. The deal was terminated 11 months ahead of expiration after Irving’s insensitive comments. The details of the termination will be presented shortly, Nike hasn’t instructed NBA players to stop wearing Kyrie-branded shoes. In fact, Irving has been sporting a variety of Kyrie models in recent games. The Kyrie shoe is widely popular in the NBA, with 164 players that have worn the Kyrie 7s. Irving is officially on market as a sneaker-free agent. and can sign any brand of choice. Adding Irving to an existing sneaker brand provides instant credibility, Irving’s unique connectivity to youth culture, earned his sneaker line one of the industry's best-selling in the footwear business. Irving addressed his community after the news release on the split. Irving tweeted,

“Anyone who has [ever] spent their hard-earned money on anything I have ever released, I consider you FAMILY and we are forever connected.” "It's time to show how powerful we are as a community."

Written by: Hussein Abdullai

Featuring: Kyrie Irving, Nike

Published by: TGQ Inc.