Activists aren't pleased with the depiction of a mountaintop mine in the background of WVU's new Nike Pro Combat uniform ad
It looks like the Backyard Brawl is feeling some heat, but not from your typical fans. Mining activists in a furious manner reached out to West Virginia to pull the new Nike Pro Combat uniform ads that showcase a mountaintop mine in the background. The uniform was designed to honor and remember the 29 miners killed earlier this year at the Upper Big Branch mine. Activists are claiming the image in the background, not the actual uniform, sends the message that WVU and Nike are endorsing surface mining, a very controversial form of mining because of its impact on water, vegetation, and all things natural. Additionally, Upper Big Branch was an underground mine, not a surface mine, so the ad is factually incorrect.
Nike and WVU have not formally responded to the complaint and the ad is still spread widely throughout the internet much to the dismay of activists.
Naoma activist Bo Webb demanded the immediate removal of the ad stating, “I am so angry. I love football, and I will not watch WVU again.” Webb is currently on the steps of the White House urging President Obama to outlaw mountaintop mining.
Frankly, the ad looks pretty cool and the uniforms are sharp. I would also guess Nike and West Virginia weren’t trying to make a political statement about any form of mining. The ad is more complete with an above ground looking mine anyway. No matter what you do or say, someone somewhere will be offended. You be the judge.
Incidentally, WV will showcase the new uniforms on Nov. 26th when they travel to Pittsburgh.
