It’s the end of the college football season with Clemson taking a resounding victory over favored Alabama.   The year also produced a financial bonanza for top tier football schools all over the country. ESPN has paid some 7 billion dollars for the rights to telecast just seven games a year over the next 12 years. Television revenue has doubled for major college football programs over last year. Stadiums are expanding and ticket sales are at an all-time high. So let’s ask this question-is it all about the money?

In the aftermath of Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn’s decision to ban city booster clubs using municipal playgrounds from spending tax dollars to purchase Nike products there has been a torrent of criticism. He was bashed online as a racist and bigot, while others said his actions were typical of so-called intolerance from Republicans.

In his response on Monday, Zahn said he did not want Kenner citizens to be used as pawns in Nike’s “political campaign.” This characterization is totally accurate for Nike’s decision to highlight unemployed quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the “face” of their new advertising campaign is clearly political.

The controversy over Nike shoes, Colin Kapernick, the NFL, President Donald Trump, respecting the American Flag, peaceful protest, rights of public entities responding to controversial political decisions made by private industry, continues.  Howover as for now, it appears that one of the players who emerged in this flap has taken a knee.

The Kenner Mayor, Ben Zahn has rescinded his position on withdrawing public support for Nike, apparantly falling to political pressure after being a focus of intensed national controversy. Zahn said in a news conference his recanting was due to legal advice he received from the city attorney.

As stated by one member of the Louisiana black caucus, on Facebook this afternoon:

The shoe company Nike made a rather unfortunate choice to be the “face” of their 30th anniversary campaign. Incredibly, the company chose journeyman quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the celebrated social justice warrior.

Kaepernick is more famous for his exploits as a protester than as a player. He started protesting the National Anthem after his career had taken a nosedive. With poor performance on the field, Kaepernick lost his starting job and was merely a backup.