Nike "moved swiftly" to launch a campaign that positions Man City's Raheem Sterling "similar to the way it did" Colin Kaepernick following Sterling's "outspoken analysis of the media’s portrayal of young black footballers," according to Sam Wallace of the London TELEGRAPH. Hours after Sterling came on as a substitute to score his side's third goal in a 3-1 win over Everton on Saturday, Nike released a social media ad featuring Sterling that "followed the theme of a successful campaign around Kaepernick in September." Nike’s Sterling commercial was accompanied by the strapline: "Speaking up doesn’t always make life easier. But easy never changed anything." Sterling’s Instagram post last Sunday "prompted a week of reflection in the British media and beyond about the portrayal of young wealthy footballers." Earlier this year, Nike's Kaepernick campaign featured the strapline: "Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything" (TELEGRAPH, 12/15). THE DRUM's Jennifer Faull reported the Kaepernick ad was from agency Wieden & Kennedy. Some have criticized Nike "for meddling in politics, others praised its bravery for standing up for social injustices." However, it is estimated that Nike "earned somewhere in the region" of $165M in media exposure while its share price hit a 52-week high within two weeks of the Kaepernick ad airing, adding approximately $6B to the value of its brand (THE DRUM, 12/16). In London, Jack Watson reported the Premier League said in a statement, "As we head into the festive season, with matches coming thick and fast, we ask all supporters to get behind their teams in passionate, positive and respectful ways" (INDEPENDENT, 12/15).
