Buzz about shoe debacle only a blip for Nike reputation, Zion Williamson career
Posted February 21, 2019 10:36 a.m. EST
Updated February 21, 2019 5:55 p.m. EST
Durham, N.C. — The moment Zion Williamson's Nike shoe blew apart on the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium was well-documented on live television – on both WRAL-TV and ESPN – rehashed on sports radio and rehashed on social media.
"Every sports fan was glued to that game, and (the fact that) it happened so early in the game, and it clearly affected the outcome of the game – (that) magnifies the extent of the crisis," said Raleigh advertising executive Rick French.
It's a top talker (and for some, the reason for Duke's 88-72 loss to UNC) the day after the game, but it is unlikely to have a long-term impact either on Williamson's basketball prospects or Nike's reputation.
Nike says it's investigating why Williamson's shoe split and called it an "isolated occurrence."
Nike issued a statement saying, "We are obviously concerned and want to wish Zion a speedy recovery. The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance. While this is an isolated occurrence, we are working to identify the issue."
The shoe malfunction, which forced Williamson to leave the game with a knee sprain, happened in front of a crowd of celebrities, including former President Barack Obama and film director Spike Lee.
Williamson's left shoe fell apart as he planted hard near the free throw line. The blue rubber sole ripped loose from the white shoe from the heel to the toes along the outside edge, with Williamson's foot coming all the way through the large gap.
"Shoes have broken before, and equipment does fail," said Jonathan Jenson, a professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Jenson says he was surprised to see Williamson, who is listed at 275 pounds, wearing a shoe that is designed for a lighter player. That's a decision, Jenson said, that was likely up to the player.
"The brands give the students wide latitude on which shoe they would like to wear – universities like Duke and North Carolina are provided with all sorts of footwear to try, to test, to wear – and the student-athlete can generally pick what model they feel is most comfortable," Jenson said.
Williamson did not return to the game, and coach Mike Krzyzewski said after the game he had a "mild knee sprain" and the knee was stable. He did not know when, or if, Williamson would be back. Even if his injury recovery is quick, Williamson, who, though a freshman, is expected to enter the NBA Draft after the college season ends, might choose not to take the chance of another injury that would dim his professional hopes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
