After protests from Allen Iverson, Nike has decided to cancel one of its planned releases for an upcoming Zoom Flight ’96 that was meant to be a tribute to the 76ers great.
Nike had planned to sell two Zoom Flight 96’s to honor to two legends who entered the NBA in the 1996 draft. Take a wild guess as to who is being honored with each shoe.
Obviously the one on the left is Kobe Bryant. While Kobe was originally signed with adidas, he is currently endorsed by Nike.
The one on the right though? Stitched with the number 3, and fashioned in a Sixers-themed colorway? The sneaker doesn’t literally say 76ers or “Iverson” anywhere on it but the inspiration is obvious enough. Nike’s attempt to capitalize on Iverson’s appeal didn’t go over too well with the man himself. Iverson is STILL the face of Reebok basketball (his signature “The Answer” sneaker is still being retro-ed today) so it’s understandable if he’s a bit miffed that a rival would be trying to profit off his image.
Iverson’s lawyer Derek Challenger was especially upset because Nike never cleared the matter with Iverson, nor attempted to compensate him for the tribute.
“Nike is clearly trying to use Allen Iverson’s celebrity status and persona to promote Nike’s shoes. There’s no other No. 3 that played for the 76ers that came out of the 1996 draft. For Nike to use his status to sell shoes, and not get his permission, to not compensate him, is bad business.”
Unfortunately for Iverson, the shoe has already released in Asia and it can be found on eBay for prices ranging from $120-350. With the news that production has stopped, sneakerheads who want a pair might have to start saving.
