Jordan Brand Cuts Ties with Napheesa Collier Over Charlie Kirk Remarks..
In a swift and stunning move, Jordan Brand announced the immediate termination of its endorsement contract with Minnesota Lynx star forward Napheesa Collier, just four months after signing the four-time WNBA All-Star to a multi-year deal. The decision, confirmed in a terse statement from Nike’s parent company, cited “insensitive and divisive public comments” that “do not align with our values of unity and respect.”
The controversy erupted late last week, mere days after the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. Kirk, 31, a fiery Turning Point USA founder and Trump ally known for inflammatory rhetoric on race, immigration, and gun rights, was gunned down onstage by an assailant whose motives remain under FBI investigation. The killing ignited a firestorm, with right-wing groups launching doxxing campaigns against critics who posted celebratory or mocking online remarks, leading to firings across academia, media, and corporate America.
Collier, 28, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and Lynx captain, waded into the fray on social media. Responding to a viral clip of Kirk’s past tirade defending gun violence—”It’s worth some deaths to protect the Second Amendment”—she tweeted: “Words like that sow the seeds of their own demise. No tears here. Hate expires.” The post, viewed over 2 million times, drew immediate backlash from conservative influencers, who branded it “incitement to violence” and demanded corporate accountability. Hashtags like #CancelNapheesa trended nationwide, amplified by Kirk’s allies including Donald Trump Jr., who called her “a thug in cleats.”
Jordan Brand, which had lavishly celebrated Collier’s WNBA All-Star MVP win in July with street takeovers in Indianapolis and custom “MV Phee” sneakers, faced mounting pressure. Sponsors like the apparel giant have zero tolerance for controversy in a polarized climate, especially amid the WNBA’s booming popularity. “We stand against hate in all forms,” the statement read. “This action ensures our brand remains a force for positive impact.”
Collier, who co-founded the Unrivaled 3×3 league and earned gold with Team USA at the 2024 Olympics, issued an apology on Instagram: “My words were raw in grief over our broken discourse, but I regret any pain caused. I condemn violence unequivocally.” Supporters, including Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, rallied behind her, calling the remarks “a passionate cry against toxicity,” while critics accused her of hypocrisy given Kirk’s victimhood.
The Lynx organization expressed disappointment but affirmed Collier’s roster spot, emphasizing her on-court leadership as they eye playoffs. Off the court, the fallout could ripple: Collier’s deal, reportedly worth seven figures, included signature shoe prototypes now shelved. In women’s hoops, where visibility is currency, this serves as a stark reminder—greatness demands silence on the sidelines.
As the WNBA season winds down, Collier’s MVP candidacy hangs in balance, her Jumpman era cut short. Will redemption follow, or is this the price of unfiltered truth? Fans await her next move, on or off the floor.
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