NewsPhoenix Metro NewsCentral Phoenix News

Actions

Nike ad controversy: DPS director weighs in on 'ultimate sacrifice' in tweet

Posted at 6:29 AM, Sep 06, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-07 00:00:18-04

Colonel Frank Milstead, the Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, is now weighing in on the Nike print ad featuring Colin Kaepernick that has sparked so much social conversation.  

Kaepernick posted a tweet making the Nike ad announcement Monday, which read, "Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything." 

VIDEO: Nike releases first full ad featuring Colin Kaepernick 

Col. Milstead tweeted Wednesday: "I’m often amazed, but really surprised. I won’t mention your name, I refuse. If you’re in search of those who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice I would look to the men and women who wear a uniform and are killed/murdered keeping us safe & protecting those who can’t protect themselves."

The tweet features a black and white photo of fallen DPS Trooper Tyler Edenhofer with the same message as originally tweeted by Kaepernick. Edenhofer was shot and killed during an incident with a suspect in Avondale in July.

People have clicked the favorite button on Col. Milstead's tweet more than 100 times and have commented with both praise and criticism for the DPS director's tweet.

DPS released the following statement from the Edenhofer family:

"Losing Tyler is a fresh wound that has affected our family , our community, and DPS very deeply. 
DPS just lost their brother and our family believes Tyler made the ultimate sacrifice in doing what he believed in, which was keeping our community safe. We want Tyler continue to be honored in the best way possible. So when you see Tyler’s photo don’t think of the controversy at hand, think of this young man who lost his life too soon."

RELATED: Friend, ex-teammate: Don't invoke Pat Tillman's name,imagein Kaepernick controversy

The television version of the Nike advertisement will debut Thursday night on the NFL kickoff. NFL players, including the Arizona Cardinals, wear Nike jerseys. 

It's too early to know if the ad campaign will have a negative or positive impact on Nike sales.

Some users have pledged to boycott the apparel company even going so far as to post videos of Nike products being set on fire.

Others have questioned what Kaepernick has sacrificed, as he uses his platform to try to bring attention to racial injustice, compared to people who have served in the military or law enforcement.

Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since 2016 when his national anthem "kneeling" protest drew anger from the president and some fans.