Kyrie Irving Finds Creative Ways to Cover Nike Logos on His Sneakers

Kyrie Irving Finds Creative Ways to Cover Nike Logos on His Sneakers

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:26 PM
  • After Nike ended relations with Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks guard has found creative ways to cover the logo
  • The brand canceled Irving's contract after he shared antisemitic content on social media and then refused to apologize
  • The 30-year-old has settled in Dallas with the Mavs after the Brooklyn Nets traded him before the trade deadline

In the aftermath of Nike dissolving its business with Kyrie Irving in early December, the Dallas Mavericks guard responded by covering their logos on his shoes.

The sportswear brand canceled their deal with the 2016 NBA champion after he shared an antisemitic film on social media and then refused to apologize.

Kyrie Irving, Nike, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets
Kyrie Irving's spell in Dallas isn't going to plan. Photos by Mike Stobe, Ron Jenkins, Tim Heitman and Tim Nwachukwu.
Source: Getty Images

The 30-year-old has been with Nike since 2011, with his popular signature shoe line starting in 2014. His last endorsement deal, reportedly about $11 million annually, was set to expire in October 2023.

Irving had a tumultuous spell in Brooklyn. The All-Star played just 29 games during the 2021/22 season because he refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine, which made him unable to play in the Nets' home games for much of the season.

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After Nike ended his relationship with the guard, he decided to cancel them as well. In the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, he found some ingenious customizations to cover up the logos during games.

He used a particularly colorful embellishment during the NBA All-Star Game.

Former Nike footwear designer, Ben Kirschner designed the sneakers Irving wore during the event to pay homage to his Native American roots and his Lakota name of Hélà with beaded tan fringes, per Cassius Life.

Moreover, he's always covered up the logo with meaningful messaging centered around freedom, supporting the revolution of black individuals, and equality, per Sneaker News.

Irving blasts Brooklyn Nets

Sports Brief earlier reported on Irving slamming the Nets' organization after completing his move to the Dallas Mavericks.

The future Hall of Famer said he felt disrespected during his time in New York and had requested a trade before the deadline.

His partnership with Luka Doncic hasn't started well. They are 1-3 when they've played together and both need to adapt.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.