THE BEAST

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