The Times-Picayune reported Sunday Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn, a Republican, issued the September 5 memo to Recreation Director, Chad Pitfield. He’s issuing orders to the city recreation department stating all orders for equipment must be approved by him.
Also, under no circumstances can they order anything from Nike or anything with the Nike swoosh on it. The mayor is pushing back against Nike over their endorsement of disrespect towards the American flag and our veterans. Furthermore, some people in his city have taken offense by his move, but the memo still stands. It’s a Nike No-Go Zone.
The memo was shared thousands of times on Facebook as part of the latest wave of protests and boycotts against Nike for using former-NFL player and national anthem-kneeling activist Colin Kaepernick as spokesperson for its latest “Just Do It” ad campaign.
Kaepernick, an ex-NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers, became famous in August 2016 for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality.
“Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything,” Kaepernick says in the ad, which features stories from athletes who overcame disabilities or injuries to succeed.
But some Democrats were irked by Mayor Zahn’s decision to boycott Nike. One Democrat city councilman released a statement saying he was against the mayor’s decision to boycott Nike.
Good Morning to all my Family and Friends of the City of Kenner!
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. 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.
Respectfully,
Councilman Gregory Carroll
City of Kenner
District 1