The Story of the Banned Air Jordans [Controversial Marketing by Nike] The NBA's Shoe Color Rule: In the 1980s, the NBA required players' shoes to be at least 51% white, matching their team's uniform to maintain a standardized look on the court. Michael Jordan's Rebellion: Michael Jordan, a rookie with the Chicago Bulls, defied this rule by wearing black and red Nike Air Ships during a 1984 preseason game. This violation led to a $5,000 fine each time he wore the shoes. Nike's Marketing Genius: Nike turned this into a marketing opportunity by paying the fines and promoting the shoes as "banned" by the NBA, emphasizing Jordan's rebellious image. This campaign was a huge success, boosting the Air Jordan brand to iconic status. Impact and Legacy: The controversy and marketing campaign significantly increased Nike's sales and set new standards for athlete endorsements. The "banned" Air Jordans remain a pivotal part of sneaker culture and sports marketing history.
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