Oh, once mighty Nike, how far have ye fallen!
Nike, once the premier brand for gear and shoes across the country, seems to have taken a big hit in the popularity department lately with brands like Under Armour and Adidas making a charge in popularity in the eyes of the consumers of today. Even with the heat, though, the swoosh remains one of the most recognizable logos in the world.
That is, when it isn't being covered up by tape.
In a move that is borderline repetitive thanks to the antics of Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, who covered his swoosh in pregame warmups before game 1 with tape and a poorly written 'heart', Tom Brady of the New England Patriots took to the locker room supply closet for his own brand of logo adjustment. On Wednesday, Under Armour endorser Brady showed up to a news conference with a piece of white tape over the left arm of his official team sweat shirt.
For those not in the know, Nike is in the first year of their deal as the official outfitter of the NFL, with its famous logo appearing on all practice and game apparel.
Like with RGIII a few weeks ago, who followed the following week with a symbol-less pregame warmup shirt, Tom Brady is sure to hear from the league about his choice of tape placement. My guess, though, is that they won't be too harsh on their golden child, at least as long as he keeps pulling viewers in by the droves.
The thing is, however, is that by covering up the logo, it is actually generating more publicity for Nike than simply grinning and bearing it. Sure, brand loyalty is all good and maybe contractual, but in the end, this type of 'tom-foolery' does nothing more than to promote the logo they wished to cover up.
…And possibly open themselves up to fines, which I'm sure Under Armour and Addidas would pick up, right?
James LeBeau is a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports and you can follow him on Twitter @JleBeau76 or subscribe on Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports.
Photo Credit: Getty
