- Nike is facing backlash after Zion Williamson’s shoe exploded during a highly anticipated matchup between Duke and North Carolina on Wednesday.
- Williamson sat out the rest of the game with a knee injury, and many people blamed Nike for the incident.
- Nike shares were down 1.4% in premarket trading at 9 a.m. ET on Thursday.
Nike is facing backlash after Duke’s star basketball player Zion Williamson’s shoe exploded in a highly anticipated matchup against North Carolina on Wednesday.
Less than a minute into the game, Williamson’s Nike shoe split open as he attempted to make a cut. Williamson was out the rest of the game with a knee injury.
Read more: Wild photos show Zion Williamson’s shoe after it exploded and he injured his knee
People on social media were quick to blame Nike for the incident.
get well soon @ZionW32 :/@Nike we want an apology pic.twitter.com/7Yav5dthHK
— jesse (@jessecox_) February 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/juancalderon/status/1098461965758984192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Not Nike’s anymore it Yike’s !!
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) February 21, 2019
Others imagined the panic in Nike's headquarters.
Nike HQ right now... pic.twitter.com/avnmonrd56
— Enoli (@1Enoli) February 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/thecollinsay/status/1098429046881468416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Nike headquarters pic.twitter.com/wJnRXB7PqK
— Cork Gaines, Ph.D. (@CorkGaines) February 21, 2019
Then there were those who were more interested in how this could affect Nike's rivals, such as Adidas and Under Armour.
https://twitter.com/coolcam101/status/1098495481737490432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Current mood at Adidas and Under Armour Headquarters ... #nike pic.twitter.com/W2kMnUBcVn
— Sean Frankey | Photography (@Seanfrankey) February 21, 2019
Under Armour, Adidas and Puma after Zion blew out his Nikes #DukeUNC pic.twitter.com/jFdtabh5U7
— Brandon (@iLikeDanzDaily) February 21, 2019
Adidas after seeing Zion tear his Nike’s. #ZionWilliamson pic.twitter.com/HCT4wovuQ9
— max (@maxmclean_) February 21, 2019
Puma tweeted, then deleted: "Wouldn't have happened in the pumas."
Puma has deleted their tweet. pic.twitter.com/7pPitJ20zP
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 21, 2019
Even restaurant chains had something to say to Nike.
Yo @Nike, you guys need a beer?
— Buffalo Wild Wings (@BWWings) February 21, 2019
We'll even pick up the tab on it. Or, if it makes you feel better, we can just split it down the middle.
— Checkers and Rally's (@CheckersRallys) February 21, 2019
"We are obviously concerned and want to wish Zion a speedy recovery," Nike said in a statement. "The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance. While this is an isolated occurrence, we are working to identify the issue."
Nike shares were down 1.4% in premarket trading at 9 a.m. ET on Thursday.