Nike facing firestorm

Nike is facing a social media firestorm over its Law Enforcement Appreciation Day promotion, which offered 30% discounts to police officers and other law enforcement personnel at Nike stores. The May 13 promotion — publicized with flyers and social media postings aimed at law enforcement — coincided with “National Police Week”, an annual US event honoring law enforcement officers.
But the timing of the event — which appears to be coincidental, and was scheduled months ago — is raising hackles in the wake of a recent spate of police-involved deaths of black civilians in Baltimore, North Charleston, Ferguson, Cleveland, and other US cities. Madison, Wisconsin officials announced on May 13 that the police officer who fatally shot 19-year old Tony Robinson, an unarmed black teen, would not face criminal charges.