Nike is facing an extreme amount of backlash and loss of customers after a Nike sneaker was torn in a Duke basketball game last Wednesday night. Zion Williamson, a freshman player, faces an injury after the Nike PG2.5 shoe split in the important game against rival North Carolina.  

Nike supplies Duke’s basketball team with equipment like uniforms, gear and shoes. The company prides themselves in always supplying the best quality, but they took a hit to their reputation after this accident. On Thursday, Nike’s stock was down by more than 1%. Former President Barack Obama attended the game and clips of him pointing to the Nike shoe split immediately went viral. Nike is still receiving a lot of negative press because of the incident.

Thirty-three seconds into the game, Zion Williamson’s left leg gave out due to his Nike shoe, and he was seen limping off the court holding his right knee. He was considered “the hottest prospect since LeBron James,” but he now suffers an injury that has caused him to not be able to play.

Nike has expressed their concern and apology for this issue, and they have wished Williamson a speedy recovery. Nike hopes to recover from the aftermath of the accident as they work towards regaining their image.