Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nike accused of glamorising drugs

Sarah Morrison
Friday 24 June 2011 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nike is facing a wave of criticism from politicians and pressure groups in America, who accuse the multinational of glamorising drug use in its new T-shirt slogans.

The world's largest athletics wear and shoe supplier has replaced its signature "Just Do It" slogan with the phrases: "Dope," "Get High" and "Ride Pipe" in an attempt to mimic language that Nike says is now commonly used by the extreme sports enthusiasts that it is trying to target.

But critics say products such as the new "Dope" shirt, that shows a pill bottle upended with surfboards and skateboards pouring out, is "irresponsible" and in "poor taste".

Travis Tygart, the CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency, said: "Athletes have had their lives ruined by the use of performance-enhancing drugs, and it is totally irresponsible that Nike is now actively promoting it for profit."

Nike defended its campaign. "In no way does Nike condone the use of banned or illegal substances," a spokesman for the company said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in