23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams has praised sportswear company Nike For sending out a ‘powerful statement’ by including Colin Kaepernick in their latest advertisement campaign.
A argument has erupted over the decision to include the former NFL player in the new ad. Kaepernick stirred a nationwide debate in America during 2016 when he knelt down during the national anthem prior to the start of football matches. It was done to to protest the police brutality that is experienced by the African American community. His actions triggered a chain reaction with other athletes following suit.
“He’s done a lot for the African American community, and it’s cost him a lot. It’s sad. But he continues to do the best that he can to support.” Williams said about Kaepernick following her quarterfinal win at the US Open.
“Having a huge company back him could be a controversial reason for this company, but they’re not afraid. I feel like that was a really powerful statement to a lot of other companies.”
The reaction to Nike’s appointment has been mixed with fierce responses from critics. Some senior conservative figures have accused Kaepernick of being disrespectful with his actions. President Donald Trump once said his behaviour amounted to ‘spitting on the (American) flag.’ On social media site Twitter, users have posted their anger with the hashtag #BoycottNike. Uploading videos of them damaging products made by the company.
Weighing in on the debate, Williams dismissed the controversy surrounding the issue. Arguing that athletes have a right to peacefully protest. Few can doubt the power and influence Williams has in the world of sport and beyond. She is the highest ranked woman in the 2018 ESPN fame list at 12th. A list that calculates an athletes popularity based on search engine score, endorsements and social media followers. Furthermore, Forbes magazine has named her the highest paid female athlete in 2018.
“I think everyone has a choice to do what they choose to do. Whether they protest it, which is a peaceful protest actually, or not, that it’s the choice of being American.” She said.
“It doesn’t make them less American. And I think that’s also something that’s really interesting, is the fact that we all make up this world, because we have different views and different views on different views things, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be loving toward each other.”
Asked if athletes have a role in social activism, Williams swiftly dismissed the idea. Insisting that it is up to the individual as to what they do.
“It’s their choice,” she said. “I think that’s one great thing God gave us, is the freedom of choice.
“My choice is to choose to just be the best – try to be. I’m not always perfect. Actually I’m never perfect. (I) just try to be the best that I can be, maybe I can just influence one person and that makes a change already.”
Williams will play Anastasija Sevastova in the semifinals of the US Open on Thursday.
