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The day after Nike announced that Colin Kaepernick was the face of his new advertising campaign, a Louisiana mayor had banned the company's stimulus clubs and recreational facilities.
Ben Zahn, the mayor of Kenner, Louisiana, has ordered the moratorium on the purchase or wearing of Nike products in a memorandum issued Sept. 5.
"Under no circumstances will a Nike product or product bearing the Nike logo be purchased for use or delivery at a City of Kenner Recreation Center," the statement said, according to CNN.
The memo, which indicated that it was effective immediately, indicated that any equipment and sports equipment purchased by the stimulus clubs must be approved by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Designed as an internal directive, the leaked memo quickly spread to social media.
In a statement released on Monday, Zahn said he was trying to protect taxpayers against funding a "political campaign."
"My decision to ban Nike from taking advantage of our taxpayers while they use their powerful voice as a political tool is my message. This government will not allow taxpayers' money to be used to promote the political position, platform or principle of a business or individual, "he said.
He added that people would be allowed to wear their own Nike clothing in the parks and playgrounds of the city.
The City of Kenner's ban is the latest reaction to Nike's decision to introduce the former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers in its "Just Do It" campaign. Kaepernick's approval prompted some to ask for a #NikeBoycott, with people posting videos burning and destroying Nike equipment.
Kaepernick sparked a wave of protests from the NFL's national anthem against racial inequality and political brutality. His decision to kneel and his new involvement with Nike have drawn criticism, including from President Donald Trump. But the buyout deal was also a boon to Nike, which reportedly posted a 31% increase in online sales after the announcement was released.
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