Nike has canceled the release of an America-themed sneaker after criticism of the 13-star “Betsy Ross flag” it featured, starting the latest flare-up in the nation’s culture wars. The decision was reportedly prompted by Colin Kaepernick, the former N.F.L. quarterback and social justice activist, who had privately criticized the design to Nike, according to The Wall Street Journal. The athletic-wear company did not say why it had pulled the sneaker. “Nike has chosen not to release the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July as it featured an old version of the American flag,” Sandra Carreon-John, a spokeswoman for Nike, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Source: New York Times July 02, 2019 14:05 UTC