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Dayton Daily News (Ohio)
KENNER, LA. — The mayor of Kenner has issued a directive banning booster clubs from buying any Nike athletic apparel or equipment for use at city recreation centers.
Mayor Ben Zahn sent the letter Sept. 5 to Kenner parks and recreation director Chad Pitfield.
"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, WDSU reported.
Nike released an advertisement campaign Sept. 3 featuring embattled former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick started kneeling during the national anthem during the 2016 season to bring attention to racial injustice. He has not played in the NFL since that season.
Although the company has faced some backlash, online sales for Nike went up 31 percent after the campaign launched.
Zahn never referenced the ad campaign in his letter.
A spokesperson with the city did not comment to WVUE about the directive.
Councilman Gregory Carroll called the letter disturbing.
"I was not made aware of this decision beforehand and it is in direct contradiction of what I stand for," Carroll said in a statement posted on Facebook. "I will meet with the mayor and other council members in an effort to rescind this directive."
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