Nike's "Controversial" Hyperdunks Ad Pulled

Monday, July 28, 2008


I passed on this story last week because it didn't seem that noteworthy, but that was until today. A few people got upset with the "homophobic nature" of a few of Wieden+Kennedy's latest efforts for Nike's "Hyperdunk" shoes and the company has in turn pulled a few of the ads....

Nike is strongly opposed to discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting athletes regardless of their sexual orientation. The advertisement in question is based purely upon a common insight from within the game of basketball - the athletic feat of dunking on the opposition, and is not intended to be offensive.

However, after listening to concerns expressed around specific executions, we have decided to drop them from the campaign to underline our ongoing commitment to supporting diversity in sport and the workplace.

Nike has a strong record of support for diversity and is proud to have been honored with a 100 percent score over several consecutive years in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index.
I really have no idea how this spiraled out of control, but Nike has pulled the three ads seen within this post. While some sites like Out Sports don't seem to find a problem, in the end it's a good move. The ads seemed like a sloppy effort at best and certainly could be taken as perpetuating stereotypes. That's not something we need more of in Sports these days.


Nike drops three Hyperdunk ads (Oregon Live)
Some Nike crotch-to-the-face ads are catching "homophobic" heat (Out Sports)

Posted by Awful Announcing- at 2:51 PM

8 Comments:

I am deeply offended by the second poster. Ear-fucking? I don't need my show company to show that kind of filth.

//lighten up, these ads are offensive to crappy basketball players only

GMoney said...
Jul 28, 2008, 3:50:00 PM  

It would have been better if they could have used the picture of Tyler Hansboro teabagging the Duke guy.

Anonymous said...
Jul 28, 2008, 7:53:00 PM  

Nike, show some balls.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/41825-nike-pulls-ads-deemed-homophobic

Anonymous said...
Jul 28, 2008, 8:46:00 PM  

I no longer wish to live in a country where the most manly of manly pasttimes, sports, are taken away as a safe haven where we can mercilessly slam limp-wristed sissy-men.

Nike has no business being involved in sports if they love gays that much. None.

Maynard said...
Jul 28, 2008, 11:05:00 PM  

"Perpetuating stereotypes?" I think this website's new tagline should be "Putting politically incorrect announcers, advertising, cartoon characters, anything remotely related to sports on notice since 2006."

Anonymous said...
Jul 28, 2008, 11:19:00 PM  

I guess 'you-know-who' above me didn't want to sign his name with whatever usual minutiae bullshit he gets upset with here. Weak sauce.

"Nike...is proud to have been honored with a 100 percent score over several consecutive years in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index."

What in the Hell does that mean? The test was probably only one question - Do you hire (insert minority group here), Yes or No?

Anonymous said...
Jul 28, 2008, 11:57:00 PM  

If its a chick's sweaty crotch in someone's face I'd assume there would be no uproar. Both women? Lesbian outcry! The ads are retarded in the first place, but so was the reaction.

Jonny said...
Jul 29, 2008, 8:26:00 AM  

Isn't it more offensive to assume that gay men like another man's crotch being forced into their face?

People are so freaking stupid...

Anonymous said...
Jul 29, 2008, 11:20:00 AM  

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