In recent years, it seems Nike has made questionable choices in athletes they consider to be ‘heroes’, role models, and people they endorse. Two of the ones that really bother me are Mike Vick (and yes I understand that he only recently has become contraversial, and is still not convicted or has plead guilty), and Kobe Bryant. Both have history of not being involved in charitable organizations, both have always had rather selfish and arrogant attitudes. Yes, they are talented, but are they really the people we want our children to look up to? They are athletes that portray a rather disgusting attitude of entitlement.
There are a lot of incredible, classy, and very kind athletes out there. They have talent, are passionate about community and education, and they make good choices. How is it that Nike always manages to pass them up. How is it that Kobe settled on a rape charge, and yet still has an endorsement. What is that saying? And why wasn’t Mike Vick stuff pulled faster from the shelves? It took a massive public outcry of disbelief. I’d like to see them revamp their image, from paying their foreign employees better, to choosing long-standing athletes with amazing backgrounds and attitudes to endorse. Not the selfish ‘hot’ new talents who haven’t proven themselves as all around good role models.
