Tim "Ripper" Owens has blasted Nike as a "one-sided racist company."
The former JUDAS PRIEST singer made his comments in an apparent response to reports that Nike pulled a patriotic sneaker featuring the so-called "Betsy Ross" flag from shelves at the behest of Colin Kaepernick, who reportedly informed the company the design had racist ties.
Earlier today, Owens tweeted: "Hey @nike. How about pulling shoes that no one can afford. I think we need you to us equality for all not just people with money or people who steal shoes!!"
After one fan chimed in that "@Nike hates America", Owens, who regularly tweets in support of President Trump's policies, wrote: "You are correct. It's a one sided racist company and it's a shame. Ok to have their shoes made by slaves and then charge $200 for them. There is no equality at all with Nike!"
Nike reportedly shipped the America-themed Air Max 1 USA shoes to retailers, then asked they be returned without an explanation.
"Nike has chosen not to release the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July as it featured the old version of the American flag," a spokeswoman for the company told The Wall Street Journal.
Kaepernick reportedly told Nike officials that he and others felt the "Betsy Ross" flag — featuring 13 stars in a circle — featured on the shoes was linked to a period of slavery.
The "Betsy Ross" flag design, which was created back in the 1770s to represent the original 13 colonies, has since been associated with white supremacy.
Kaepernick, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, became the face of Nike's "Just Do It" campaign in September.
Hey @nike. How about pulling shoes that no one can afford. I think we need you to us equality for all not just people with money or people who steal shoes!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Tim 'Ripper' Owens 🇺🇸 (@TimRipperOwens) July 2, 2019
You are correct. It’s a one sided racist company and it’s a shame. Ok to have their shoes made by slaves and then charge $200 for them. There is no equality at all with Nike! https://t.co/fc96ePIwQh
— Tim 'Ripper' Owens 🇺🇸 (@TimRipperOwens) July 2, 2019
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