Nike Teams with Tiger Woods and Fellow Athletes to Make a Political Statement

Nike+Teams+with+Tiger+Woods+and+Fellow+Athletes+to+Make+a+Political+Statement

Steven Courney (12th), Reporter

Widely known for being the greatest golf star that fell into controversy, Woods is making quite the statement, in partnership with Nike, in their new equality campaign.

Amid all of the talk of equality and discrimination that has been happening recently, Nike is one of the many companies that is stepping up to let their voice be heard, bringing Woods with them. Other athletes that are also sponsored by Nike, like Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, are also a part of the equality campaign.

The campaign features a 90 second black and white advertisement in addition to the four page spread that appeared in the New York Times on Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43QTjFCPLtI

Nike is also selling apparel branded with the word “equality”. Not only that, but the sportswear giant also pledged to donate $5 million to organizations that advance equality across the country.

Woods is famous for being the first black golfer to win the Masters in 1997. Since then though, he has never been very vocal on social issues plaguing the nation. To the dismay of fans who were hoping to see a public stance against Trump, Woods was seen golfing with the 45th President of the United States in Florida in December. Fans are excited that he has taken this new position along with Nike, and are hoping for him to speak out against the Trump administration.

Woods recently tweeted, in support of the campaign, “If we can be equals in sport, we can be equals anywhere.” It appears Nike has yet to release an official statement, but they claim they are using the power of sport to stand up for equality.

Although Nike isn’t the first company to take a stand like this, and they are not the most outspoken, it is a big step for such a large company with so much support from admired athletes.