North Smithfield councilman requests town stops buying Nike

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — Nike’s decision to make NFL protest leader, Colin Kaepernick, the face of it’s latest ‘Just Do It’ campaign, has stirred controversy across the county.

The president of North Smithfield’s town council, John Beauregard, is now asking the school committee and other municipal departments to stop buying Nike.

“For Nike to put him as their front man, perpetuates the fallacy that the police are against minorities,” Beuaregard explained.

Beauregard, a 25–year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police, made the request because he feels Nike’s decision is disrespectful towards law enforcement.

“Their tag–line is the most insulting part, when they say that Colin Kaepernick has sacrificed everything,” said Beauregard.

“There have been over 100 police officers who died in the line of duty this year alone. They are the ones who sacrificed everything.”

Beauregard says his request is not a demand or an ordinance, and that nothing would happen if schools or other town departments bought Nike equipment.

He also says it has nothing to do with Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem.

“My only argument is the issue about the negativity regarding the police and about how Nike is perpetuating that negativity,” Beauregard explained.

The councilman says he has many supporters, and also knows he will face opposition Monday night, when the issue is discussed at town council.

As for Nike, their stock price has hit an all–time high since the release of the ads last week.

North Smithfield town council will discuss Beauregard’s request when they meet Monday night at 6:45 at North Smithfield Middle School.

©WLNE-ABC6 / 2018