So Nike has come with a new campaign in support of Colin Kapernick’s decision to kneel for the playing of the anthem and the other various forms of protest that NFL players have participated in over the past two plus seasons.

I’m sure by now you have either seen it or heard of it. I saw the ad and what it says. I also understand the head of Nike’s marketing campaign says the ad was designed to target 15 to 17 year old kids, to get them engaged.

The message of the ad is a simple one. Stand for something, even if it means it costs you everything. Now that’s a very strong and powerful message to send out to young people. Hell it’s a strong message to send to all people. Adults could use that line ad a method of reflection and motivation.

Now, while I understand some of the bad taste it has put in the mouths of some, I want to take a minute to break this down so there is clear understanding. The purpose of the ad is to get people active and engaged in a cause they believe in. It is strongly worded and provocative and love it. We need these types of bold messages to get thru. The point is a damn good one. Stand for something. Find a passion you have and be willing to go the distance for it. Allow yourself to be challenged and pushed for the cause of your life.

There have been protests by players that have been respectful and appropriate, yet people are trying to vilify these humans, who are athletes, because they are exercising their rights granted to them. Nike and their brass decided to join in the cause. I applaud them for deciding to stand for something.

I heard a reporter, Jason Whitlock, of Fox Sports bash the ad and the company, questioning if parents would say the same thing to their children that Nike is saying. I find Jason to be much like the other hypocritical masses that will privately tell their children to be independent and love with a purpose and passion, yet now want to berate Nike because they made an ad basically saying as such.

They just chose to be more bold in their word choice, but the message is clear and damn right it needs to be said. To answer Mr. Whitlock, yes my folks would say the same because the context of the message is what we’ve been taught for years. Damn it, I’m tired of people being cowards and bitching up when a company decides to stand with a cause that is making people uncomfortable because it’s shining a light on issues that are real and exist.

Bravo! Nike, I say stand strong behi nd athletes who take their voice and influence seriously and call attention to issues that need to be addressed. Like Serena Williams, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and many others have said, the protests work when you make people uncomfortable about things you know are injust.

America find a cause important to you. Find a cause that you’re willing to stick your neck out for and burn that bitch down making that cause, and the solutions to your cause become reality.