Nike ditches plan for new Allen Iverson sneaker after Allen Iverson got mad

Allen Iverson is a Reebok guy. He’s been a Reebok guy since 1996, when the Philadelphia 76ers drafted him No. 1 overall. His signature shoe, “The Answer,” is to Reebok almost what Jordans are to Nike; that is, they’re a big deal. So, when Nike decided to make what looks like a tribute sneaker in its “Zoom Flight ’96” collection to Iverson — and, reportedly, not ask him for his permission to use his likeness — the retired star said no way. Nike announced they were abandoning the plan on Thursday.

“Nike has made a business decision to not move forward with the shoe,” Nike spokesperson KeJuan Wilkins said in an email to the Associated Press. He gave no specific reasons as to why, however.

Iverson and his attorney Derek Challenger think they know, however.

“Nike is clearly trying to use Allen Iverson’s celebrity status and persona to promote Nike’s shoes,” Challenger told the AP. “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.”

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The sneakers, which began going viral on sneaker blogs last month, were never officially connected to Iverson, but judging from the design, they certainly have a lot in common with the NBA veteran’s brand.

Besides the colors, which echo those of the 76ers, where Iverson spent 12 seasons of his 14-year career, but the Iverson’s jersey number 3 was imprinted on the heels. The shoes were slated to hit shelves in later this year or in early 2015.

Nike also decided not to go ahead with a white and purple design, which were inspired by Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who also was drafted in 1996. Bryant already has his own line of shoes with Nike, but in the first years of his career, he was a spokesperson for Adidas, AP reports. Wilkins did not say if that was the reason for pulling that colorway, however.

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