NFL

Nike's decision to make its bold deal with Colin Kaepernick was partly a shrewd business move, but sources involved in the negotiation tell TMZ Sports a big part was also cultural.

Our sources say Nike was fully aware there would be outrage by embracing Kaepernick's cause but, on balance, the company knew it would attract way more customers than it would lose. Although the target demos are highly protected by Nike -- industry sources tell TMZ Nike's customer base is "significantly urban" and the company felt the decision would be solidly embraced.

But, beyond demos ... we're told Nike's decision was a long play. Up-and-coming athletes are no longer just shills for corporate America. They increasingly embrace causes and are not afraid to speak out, even at their own expense. In other words, they believe in Colin's mantra, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

We're told Nike wants to show these athletes it will back their causes, even if it means getting attacked by the President of the United States. The company wants the up-and-comers to feel proud to be associated with the brand.

How does LeBron James feel about Nike's new deal with Colin Kaepernick?

"I stand with Nike ... every day, all day."

It's a huge statement from the biggest athlete in the world -- as Colin and Nike continue to get blowback from people like country star John Rich, UFC star Tim Kennedy and others who have vowed to boycott Nike.

But Tuesday night, as LeBron accepted the Icon 360 Award at Capitale in NYC ... he ended his remarks with a statement on Nike (though he didn't mention Kaepernick by name).

"Last but not least, I stand for anybody that believes in change. I stand for anybody that believes in a positive attitude and a positive matter ... and I stand with Nike every day, all day."

Of course, LeBron is a Nike athlete who reportedly signed a $1 billion lifetime deal with the company. But, it seems he's genuinely proud of the company.

As for the award, the Icon 360 was presented for Bron's contribution to fashion and philanthropy.

During the ceremony, LeBron also thanked his wife and daughters and said, "I believe African-American women are the most powerful women in the world."

Ex-UFC star Tim Kennedy -- who's also a Green Beret -- says he's boycotting Nike in the wake of their Colin Kaepernick ad ... and says his special forces buddies feel the exact same way.

Kennedy is currently participating at a military school course at Fort Bragg in North Carolina -- where he told us he feels the ad is disrespectful to the flag and to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

"When I walked into the team room this morning, there were some people who were fuming," Kennedy tells TMZ Sports ... "I'm not gonna speak for them, but there was no one happy about it."

Kennedy's got a huge problem with the words in Colin's Nike ad -- "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

Tim says every member in this special forces team room has lost at least 10 friends who died while serving their country ... and he finds it offensive that Colin would describe what he's been through as "sacrificing everything."

"I'm talking about REAL heroes and I'm surrounded by a bunch of them right now."

Jason Whitlock believes Colin Kaepernick is a "pawn in a game he doesn't understand" ... and the people pulling the strings desperately want to take down the NFL.

The host of FS1's 'Speak for Yourself' appeared on "The Red Pill Podcast" hosted by Van Lathan -- where Whitlock spelled out his theory about what's going on behind the scenes with the QB.

"He's being used by people who want to destroy the NFL," Whitlock explained.

So, who are those "people?" Whitlock says the shadow group is made up of people on the left who believe "the NFL is the head of the snake in terms of toxic masculinity."

"They want to bring the NFL down."

Van respectfully disagreed -- and argued that Colin's intention with his protest was simply to put a spotlight on social injustice in the U.S. and that his actions are not part of a diabolical plot.

Check out the full episode below ...

Alabama's top commit says Colin Kaepernick's Nike ad could actually HELP the Tide roll ... with Pierce Quick telling TMZ Sports some recruits could be swayed even more to the Nike-sponsored program now.

As we previously reported ... Kaep inked a new deal with the Swoosh that features an advertising slogan that reads, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

It's been met with mixed reviews -- especially from those who opposed Kaep's anthem kneeling when he was in the NFL -- but Pierce tells us 'Bama won't be affected by the negativity at all.

In fact ... the five-star O-lineman tells us if anything -- the ad might bring in EVEN MORE top talent to the school.

"There's some people that might be a HUGE Colin Kaepernick supporter," Pierce says.

"And so now they're like, 'You know what? I want to go to a school that supports Nike, because I want to go to a school that supports Colin Kaepernick.'"

It's great news for 'Bama ... especially if those recruits are anything like Quick -- 'cause dude's a beast.

As for Nick Saban's thoughts on it all ... Quick tells us he knows exactly how the old ball coach will react to the issue when it's brought up among his players.

No surprise here -- Donald Trump doesn't think Nike should "Just Do It" with Colin Kaepernick ... saying the company's new ad campaign sends a "terrible message."

The Prez -- who's vehemently against NFL players who kneel during the National Anthem -- tells the Daily Caller he disagrees with Nike's endorsement. He says ... "I think it's a terrible message that they're sending and the purpose of them doing it, maybe there's a reason for them doing it ... but I think as far as sending a message, I think it's a terrible message and a message that shouldn't be sent. There's no reason for it."

It's interesting, though ... Trump admits Nike is a tenant in one of his NYC buildings, and says it pays him a lot of rent for the NikeTown location -- but adds, the company has the right to align itself with whomever it wants.

He adds ... "It is what this country is all about, that you have certain freedoms to do things that other people think you shouldn't do, but I personally am on a different side of it."

As we've reported, Kaepernick's ad, part of Nike's 30th anniversary of its "Just Do It" campaign -- has sparked major backlash ... including from the National Association of Police Organizations, which is calling for a Nike boycott.

On the flip side, several celebs and athletes have publicly supported the ad ... even Tom Brady.

As you'll recall ... Trump made headlines in September 2017 after saying NFL owners should fire players who kneel for the anthem, referring to them as "sons of bitches."

A year later ... the war rages on.

Nike's deal with Colin Kaepernick isn't about black or white, it's about GREEN ... so says "Shark Tank" star and FUBU founder Daymond John.

The Internet is going crazy over the shoe giant's decision to make Colin the face of its "Just Do It" 30th anniversary campaign, but Daymond says the outrage and applause on either side basically amounts to tons of free advertising for Nike. Despite any controversy, he anticipates the QB's upcoming merch line will spread like wildfire.

There's already been tons of backlash, with one of the country's largest police organizations calling for a boycott of all Nike products, but Daymond believes young and rebellious consumers will spend more than enough on Nike to outweigh potential losses.

The former president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is backing another embattled U.S. athlete ... this time coming to the defense of Colin Kaepernick!!

Remember, the ex-Iranian prez swooped in to defend Serena Williams when French Open officials told her she couldn't wear a custom-made Nike catsuit during their tournament anymore.

Now ... Ahmadinejad is weighing in on the Kaepernick drama -- saying it's a shame the ex-49ers superstar ain't in the league anymore.

"The NFL season will start this week," Mahmoud said from his official Twitter account.

"Unfortunately once again @Kaepernick7 is not on a NFL roster. Even though he is one of the best Quarterbacks in the league."

So, yeah ... apparently, M.A. is keeping up with the NFL in his spare time?

And wait, there's more ...

Ahmadinejad also echoed LeBron James, who recently said sports are supposed to bring people together, not divide.

While LeBron mentioned Trump by name, the Iranian ex-prez didn't.

"The philosophy and spirit of sports is bringing people together not causing more conflicts. Politics must support the spirit of sports not destroy it."

Terry Bradshaw took his rivalry with Mike Tomlin to another level Tuesday ... going scorched earth on the Steelers coach, saying he's nowhere near as tough as legendary Pittsburgh head man Chuck Noll.

The two have had a thing for a while now -- Terry says Mike won't even return his phone calls -- but the ex-Steelers QB took his (huge) beef with Tomlin a step further on the “Dan Sileo Show.”

"I played for a tough sucker, and I was afraid of him, and we played our ass off for him because we feared him,” Bradshaw said of when he played for Noll.

"I don’t see that with this guy. He’s chest bumping and all that. I’m the head of the corporation, man. I’m the CEO. I’m the chairman of the board. I’m talking to the stockholders and I'm telling them here’s how we’re gonna do at the end of the quarter."

"And, I’m selling this thing, and I’m not delivering the goods, which is championships. You’ve got to face the criticism. I’m sorry, but he’s not my kind of coach. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again."

Bradshaw wasn't done there ... 'cause he also ripped Tomlin for the team's shocking loss to the Jaguars at home in the playoffs last season.

"I don’t care how good of a run Jacksonville is on," Bradshaw says.

"I don’t care how Jacksonville played New England in the championship game. You don’t lose 45-42. Are you kidding me? In a championship game?”

L.A. Chargers 1st round draft pick Derwin James says the men who robbed him at gunpoint back in June have been arrested after they tried (and failed) to pawn his expensive jewelry.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... the former Florida State safety and his uncle were dining at Bossa Nova restaurant on Sunset Blvd. on June 23 ... and when they left, 2 men held them at gunpoint and demanded his Rolex watch and gold chain. The men also slashed the tires on Derwin's Rolls-Royce so he couldn't give chase.

Now, we've learned cops launched an investigation which heated up the next day when someone tried to pawn a fancy $60,000 watch at a shop in the San Fernando Valley.

The transaction was flagged by cops who then went to the shop and pulled surveillance footage ... which showed a guy walking into the store wearing Derwin's watch and chain.

Cops were able to identify one of the suspects as 28-year-old Kevin Mitchell and put his picture in a police lineup -- and Derwin immediately identified him as one of the men from the robbery.

"That guy. He's the one who stood in front of me pointing the gun at me. For sure that's him. I remember his face," Derwin told police.

Mitchell was later arrested.

And, get this ... Derwin also told police the whole robbery may have been a setup by 2 women he met earlier that night.

On the night of the incident, Derwin and his uncle had dinner with 2 women he didn't know very well -- and the NFL player believes they might have been communicating with the gunmen the whole time.

Derwin says he was sure the women were there during the robbery but disappeared right after it.

10:46 AM PT -- The National Association of Police Organizations has fired off a letter to Nike chairman and CEO Mark Parker, saying the org. is now calling for a boycott of all Nike products.

"In featuring Mr. Kaepernick in the 'Just Do It' campaign, Nike grossly insults the men and women who really do make sacrifices for the sake of our nation," the letter obtained by TMZ Sports reads.

"We are calling on all our member officers, their families and friends to join in boycotting all Nike products."

One of the largest police organizations in the nation is blasting Nike for the new Colin Kaepernick ad campaign ... saying Swoosh's definition of sacrifice is a slap in the face to those who risk their lives to protect the country.

The brand has been receiving both praise and criticism for Kaep's new "Just Do It" ad -- which features the words, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

TMZ Sports has obtained a statement from the National Association of Police Organizations -- an interest group that represents more than 241,000 officers -- about the new campaign ... and they're PISSED.

"Oh, Nike! You are soooo brave!!" the statement says. "Holding up Colin Kaepernick as an example of someone who has 'sacrificed everything'. Right!"

"Come on over to Arlington National Cemetery, or to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. or to the trauma unit of a military hospital if you want to learn the meaning of 'sacrifice' and why our flag means something to so many."

The sentiment has been echoed by people like John Rich and UFC star Tim Kennedy, among others.

On the flip side, star athletes from LeBron James to Serena Williams -- and even Tom Brady -- are giving Nike the thumbs-up.

And, Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis told TMZ Sports he's "absolutely" supportive of the ad campaign.

"Nike, n***a! Nike!!!

That's Maino -- one of the most respected street rappers in the game -- praising the hell out of the Swoosh (and blasting haters) over the Colin Kaepernick deal.

Maino was FIRED UP after the news broke on Monday telling TMZ Sports, "We about to go buy Nikes right now, for real!!!"

"I think it's dope for the culture that they supported him and they was actually behind him and didn't allow the pressure of the NFL to stop them from doing business with him."

And, to the haters? Maino politely invited all the people burning their Nikes to "Eat a d**k!!"

"He didn't have a job. So, the fact that Nike stood next to him, supported him? One time for Nike!"

W also got Tony Yayo -- who was also stoked for the QB.

"I think it's a great move" ... adding, "Colin Kaep is the man."

Seems Tom Brady and his old pal, Donald Trump, don't agree when it comes to Colin Kaepernick -- because the G.O.A.T. spent his Monday showing PUBLIC SUPPORT for Colin's new Nike deal.

Brady made his mark on Instagram -- where he "liked" four different posts featuring Colin's new Nike ad. The images were posted by LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and GQ -- all of whom were praising the deal on social media.

And, it's not a brand loyalty thing from Brady -- he's not a Nike athlete. TB12 actually has a deal with rival sports apparel brand Under Armour.

Of course, the bigger issue is Brady and Trump -- who used to be close (REALLY close) until their friendship suddenly went way south.

Remember, Brady even sported Trump's MAGA hat in his locker at one point. But, Tom's wife, Gisele, has been an outspoken critic of Trump since the election and it seems politics may have been the dividing factor for Tom and Donald.

Now, with Trump calling for the NFL to fire "sons of bitches" who don't stand for the national anthem -- a line has been drawn in the sand ... and it appears Tom has chosen his side.

Nike and Colin Kaepernick have support from a major NFL owner -- with Oakland Raiders' honcho Mark Davis telling TMZ Sports he thinks it's a good move!

Davis was leaving Dan Tana's in West Hollywood when we asked about the biggest news of the weekend ... Nike signing Kaep to a huge deal to be a part of their "Just Do It" 30th Anniversary campaign.

Of course, the deal puts Nike in an interesting spot -- doing business with both the NFL and the guy suing the NFL for collusion.

In fact, Nike just signed a new uniform contract with the NFL that will extend to 2028.

So, how does Davis feel about Nike signing Kaep? He loves it ... saying enthusiastically, "Why not?!"

There has been some backlash from people like country music star John Rich and UFC fighter Tim Kennedy who feel signing Kaep is disrespectful to U.S. military vets.

We also asked Davis about the big move trading superstar linebacker Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears -- and once again, Mark told us he "absolutely" supported it and supports head coach Jon Gruden.

"I have a lot of faith in Jon Gruden," Mark told us.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was also asked about Kaepernick's Nike deal on 105.3 The Fan's "Shan & RJ show" ... and while Jones says he has "tremendous respect" for the company, he couldn't really say anything else because of the collusion case.

2:03 PM PT -- As part of the new deal Colin negotiated with Nike, the Swoosh will be putting out a new signature shoe and apparel ... and making substantial contributions and donations to Colin's Know Your Rights foundation.

It's true, Colin had a preexisting deal with Nike but we're told his team renegotiated -- it's essentially a new deal.

Colin Kaepernick has signed a new deal with Nike to become the face of the "Just Do It" 30th anniversary campaign -- a deal that was put together in the past couple of weeks and will pay the QB fresh cash ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Colin posted the new ad that reads, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. Just do it." Our sources tell us Colin's legal team -- Mark Geragos and Ben Meiselas -- put the deal together recently. Kaepernick has been in business with Nike before but we're told Nike cut him a brand new check for this particular campaign.

What's interesting is that Nike also has deals with several NFL teams. And with Colin's collusion case getting the green light to move forward it puts the sport's apparel giant in a precarious position. Clearly, Colin has a strong fan base -- that includes celebrities like Jay-Z, Serena Williams and Meek Mill -- and Nike feels it's worth to align its interest with someone many people feel is a warrior for social justice.

Imagine being told the rare diamond you sold for $3.75 MILLION is now back on the market for around $7 MILLION ... and could be worth more than $10 MIL. How would you react?

Drew Brees could only shake his head ... according to legal docs obtained by TMZ Sports.

It's all part of the QB's war with his old jeweler, Vahid Moradi -- who Brees is suing, claiming he's been ripped off for millions over the years.

One of the pieces at the center of the war is a 4.09 carat blue diamond Drew bought in 2015 for $8.1 million.

As we previously reported, Brees suspected he was swindled by his jeweler so he brought it to another appraiser who valued it at a mere $2 million.

Now, according to new legal docs, we've learned Drew sold the ring in the spring of 2018 for $3.75 million ... a number he seemed satisfied with based on the low appraisal.

But Moradi's attorney, Eric George, suspected something fishy went down -- since the man who appraised the diamond got a commission for brokering the deal with the new buyer.

During the deposition, George hit Brees with a bombshell -- saying, "Would it surprise you to know that it's being offered right now at a wholesaler's for $6.8 million?"

Drew's response according to the transcript -- "[Brees shakes head]."

Yeah ...

George then told Brees if the diamond were to be sold at a retail store like Tiffany, the price tag would be in excess of $10 million!!!

We reached out to Drew's attorney, Andrew Kim, for comment who told us the new price tag may not reflect the true value of the diamond -- and doesn't take away from the fact Drew feels scammed by Moradi.

"[The wholesaler] is offering it at what he's offering it. The real story is what he's able to sell the piece for. We'll be fairly surprised if he gets anything close to what he's asking for."