- 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 (@j_cox81) February 21, 2019
Me returning my Nikes tomorrow after seeing Zion's shoe explode. pic.twitter.com/EnNqjV32Ks
— Juan Calderon (@juancalderon) February 21, 2019
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
— Jack (@iVisenya) February 21, 2019
Nike headquarters tonight pic.twitter.com/FgRtvr0JTa
— TooTallVol24 (@thecollinsay) February 21, 2019
Nike headquarters pic.twitter.com/wJnRXB7PqK
— Cork Gaines (@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.
Zion’s Nike’s exploded at the Duke Game
Adidas - pic.twitter.com/nhb2gm24Md
— Cameron Grant (@coolcam101) February 21, 2019
Current mood at Adidas and Under Armour Headquarters ... #nike pic.twitter.com/W2kMnUBcVn
— sean frank (@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 & 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.
