Nike made an interesting decision on embattled Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant that could be a sign of things to come.
The Twitter account Daily Loud pointed out on Thursday that Nike has removed their listing for Morant’s “Hunter Ja 1” shoe from their website and their Finish Line app. The shoe was slated for release next week.
However, the sneaker is still available on both the SNKRS and Hibbett Sports apps and can be ordered via a raffle.
It’s been widely expected that Nike would pause or even end its relationship with Morant in the wake of his recent suspension for flashing a gun on camera in an Instagram Live video.
#JaMorant’s Hunger Ja 1 sneakers are no longer listed on the #Nike or #FinishLine apps.
The Hunger Ja 1s have been expected to release on May 25. The mismatch red and blue colorway was listed on both the Finish Line and Nike apps as recently as Tuesday.
The Ja 1s are still…
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) May 18, 2023
Ja Morant has high-profile deals with Nike, Coca-Cola and Powerade. The Nike deal in particular is reportedly worth upwards of $12 million.
But with Morant currently suspended from the Grizzlies for his off-the-court activities, it’s very possible that all of his major sponsorship deals are at risk.
Granted, Morant hasn’t done anything illegal. But companies don’t have to judge their partners by whether or not their behavior is explicitly criminal.
Maybe this whole situation with the sneakers is being overblown. But until we hear one way or another from Nike, we’ll be watching and waiting.
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