Tip Of The Kap | Just Doin' It

Former NFL athlete Colin Kaepernick has transcended into an American icon over the last 2 seasons; the former 49ers quarterback decided to stir up a wave of protests across the NFL. During the national anthem Kaepernick took a knee to protest against police brutality and the racial inequalities of America. The protest became a defining moment within sports history, but also stirred up a lot of controversy. In America there is always a price to pay when individuals do things that aren’t “culturally” accepted or politically correct. President Trump was totally against Kaepernick’s protest and made it a priority to suspend or fired any NFL players who demonstrate during the national anthem. Kaepernick has inspired a generation of athletes. The protest has been identified as an iconic event in American sports history. Nike has commemorated Colin Kaepernick for their 30th anniversary "Just Do It" campaign ad. Since 2011, Kaepernick signed to Nike; he was being paid despite his inactivity in the NFL and in previous campaign ads. The Nike brand felt the time was right to use Kaepernick in ads due to his unique position within the sports world. On top of campaign ad, Nike will create an apparel line that will donate their proceeds to Kaepernick’s “Know My Rights” charity. 

“We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward”

— Gino Fisanotti

With the NFL season around the corner it was a great business move for Nike to release their new campaign ad; Nike will include Kaepernick on several platforms during the NFL season. Nike’s campaign ad also features their list of world class athletes: Serena Williams, Odell Beckham, LeBron James and Shaquem Griffin. Over several decades, Nike has identified their brand with top tier athletes across the globe. Through the test of time Nike continues to embody a deeper purpose and use their platform to support the world of athletes who come from many backgrounds. Nike has extended their partnership with the NFL until 2028. The brand will continue to be the sole provider for the productions of on field apperal.

Nike has a divine history for responding to some topical issues. In the late 90’s Nike launched an ad campaign to support women’s rights in sports. Their unique message created a separation between other leading brands. Nike has reputation for representing their athletes who’ve faced trials during their careers. Tiger Woods, Ric Munoz and Serena Williams are all on that list. Now in 2018, Nike supports one of the popularized athletes in the world Colin Kaepernick.

“Don’t ask if your dream is crazy. Ask if they’re crazy enough”

— Colin Kaepernick

Thanks: Nike, NFL, ESPN, Bleacher Report

Athlete: Colin Kaepernick

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq2CvmgoO7I

LeBron James Drops Gems On "The Shop"

HBO presents “The Shop", an unfiltered show that mimics the vibe of traditional barbershop. This show features NBA Star LeBron James and some of the entertainment’s best. Each episode will cover compelling discussions about culture, music and sports. The audience will get the opportunity to engage in a unique display of athletes and entertainers sharing their stories and views about the world. Often as athletes they’re scrutinized by the media and generalized in a specific type of group. We live in a world where athletes are judged based upon what they do in their respective sport. On "The Shop" LeBron James and peers look to tap into a deeper surface to address certain social issues.  It's quite intriguing to witness the relationship between our fellow African-American athletes; over the years Draymond Green and LeBron have developed a genuine friendship that evolved into a business relationship. Draymond shared his live podcast on LeBron's uninterrupted media channel, which then lead to an appearance on "The Shop". Sports have a great way of unifying athletes from various backgrounds, especially African-Americans.

Photo by: HBO

“Athletes don’t have a responsibility to speak up for nothing, you have a responsibility to speak up for what you believe in.”

— Draymond Green

In “White” America, we continue to witness African-American athletes slandered when taking a stance on social issues. A prime example is NFL star Colin Kappernick, who remains a free agent in the NFL due taking a knee during the national anthem. This sighting became very controversial and stirred up the topic of discussion on race in America. I strongly agree with Colin Kappernick stance on his view about social inequality in the United States.  As an athlete I feel that its important to fulfill your purpose and at times this may indirectly insults those in authority. As we see in the case of Kappernick, he was penalized for standing up for what he believes was right. In this episode, LeBron James spoke on similar issues he faced in his past and his experiences being an African-American athlete in a predominately "white" school; and how it shaped his perspective against "White" America. LeBron James and his friends faced a "culture shock" due to the large population of White people.

Photo by: HBO

“I was so institutionalized growing up in the hood, it’s like they don’t fuck with us, they don’t want us to succeed. The hierarchy and then we’re here.”

— LeBron James

Comedian Jon Stewart shed some light on his individualistic perspective. He feels that it’s important to differentiate how to view the African-American athlete with regards to who they are outside of their sport. For entertainers who get a chance to make it outside of their communities it always raises the discussion of how they really feel about their place in the world; especially in America. LeBron James has continued to be the avid spokesmen for African-American athletes, when we look back in history Muhammad Ali is one athlete who served not only a community but an entire ethnic group. Growing up as an inner city black male I never had to look far for inspiration; Ali filled that void. NFL star Michael Bennett mentioned the stigma that has been created by White America against African-American males in inner-city communities.

“The real social issues of people of colour, every athlete is effected by them because we are the same kids that use to be in those neighbourhoods. ”

— Michael Bennett

Photo by: HBO Sports

Ultimately, athletes and entertainments influence the way we talk, dress, and act to a certain extent. LeBron James has used his creative platform to reach his audience outside of the area. Once upon a time in America there was a huge shift when athletes never spoke up on social issues and for Muhammad Ali he helped spark the idea for many athletes to come. Now in the 21st century LeBron James has made it an obligation for himself to continually set positive examples for African-American athletes worldwide. The bottom line is that as an athlete you should never lose sight of the bigger picture, stay true to your belief systems even if that means stepping on the toes of those in power (authority).

“No matter how big you can become in America, no matter how much influence you think you got or do have, you African-American it doesn’t matter... you still black in America”

— LeBron James

Thanks: @uninterrupted, @hbo, @klutchsports

CEO: Maverick Carter

Athletes: LeBron James , Candice Parker, Michael Bennett, Draymond Green

Entertainers: Jon Stewart, Snoop Dogg, Vince Staples, Jerrod Carmichael