Michael Wilbon Won't Buy Ja Morant's Nike Shoes
One of the few ways people can exercise their power is by how they spend their money. That important life lesson is not lost on the legendary ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon.
Following the most recent controversy involving Ja Morant, the long-time sports reporter has had enough. Wilbon said, "I told [my son] you can't have the shoe... Our money as a family is not going toward that."
After an incredible first three years in the NBA, Morant's fourth season was embroiled in controversies surrounding different firearms-related incidents. The 2x NBA All-Star served an eight-game suspension in March, which resulted in the delay of his first signature Nike basketball shoe.
Morant would eventually return to the court, and his shoes enjoyed a highly-successful launch, with the first two colorways selling out within a day. But, once again, the future of Morant's signature sneaker line is in limbo.
Nike Ja 1
View of Ja Morant's shoes.
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
The Nike Ja 1 was originally intended to launch on April 1, 2023. However, Nike pushed the highly-anticipated shoe's release date back to April 19. Unfazed by his off-court scandals, fans devoured the first two colorways released to the public.
Wilbon might be the first important voice in a growing number of concerned parents that could feel uncomfortable buying Morant's shoes for their kids. Morant is an exciting player, and his shoes are aesthetically pleasing, but they could carry a subpar reputation thanks to their namesake.
Nike has two more colorways of Morant's first signature shoe scheduled to release in as many months. But that could change depending on the NBA and Grizzlies' investigations into Morant's latest incident.
We will keep our readers updated as we learn more about the fate of Morant's signature sneaker line. In the meantime, stick with FanNation Kicks for your daily sneaker coverage.
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