A week ago, Nike announced the release of the “Hunter” version of the Ja 1, Ja Morant’s first signature shoe. The model was thus to be available from May 25 on American territory.
Problem: in the process, the leader of the Grizzlies (again) appeared with a firearm on a live Instagram and the shoe has disappeared from the application from its equipment supplier…
As Powerade had done during the first controversy, Nike therefore seems to be putting its campaign on hold.
For the moment, however, we do not know more because Nike has not communicated on the subject. No doubt Phil Knight’s firm is waiting to see what will be decided on the side of the league offices. As a reminder, during the first controversy, the equipment manufacturer had contented itself with a brief press release. “We appreciate Ja taking responsibility and taking the time to get the help he needs. We support the priority he places on his well-being.” simply described Nike at the time.
What will happen this time if the NBA decides to heavily punish Ja Morant? Hard to say, while Nike has made the leader of Memphis one of its figureheads, in particular to compensate for the divorce with Kyrie Irving…
