Under Armour Apologizes: Company Pulls Iwo Jima-Inspired ‘Band of Ballers’ Shirt, Fans React
Under Armour has issued an apology following the backlash they received for their “Band of Ballers” T-shirt that showed a comparison to servicemen raising the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during World War II.
The company issued the following statement on their Facebook page:
“Under Armour has the utmost respect and admiration for the men and women on active duty and veterans who have served our country. As such, we deeply regret and apologize that a t-shirt that was not reflective of our values in honoring and supporting our country’s heroes went on sale.
“We have taken immediate action to remove it from retail and will take great measures to ensure this does not happen again. Supporting those who serve our country has been part of our brand’s DNA since the very beginning, and through our partnerships and by working directly with military organizations, it will always serve as the foundation of our efforts to give back.”
The shirt portrayed men raising a basketball hoop in a similar fashion of those military heroes who rose the flag all those many years ago, according to USA Today.
On Saturday, the company also released an apology statement, via Twitter.
Under Armour has the utmost respect and admiration for active duty service men and women and veterans who have served our country. (1/3)
— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) May 16, 2015
We deeply regret and apologize the release of a shirt that is not reflective of our commitment to support & honor our country’s heroes (2/3)
— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) May 16, 2015
We have taken the necessary steps to remove this shirt, and any related shirts, from all retail and ensure this doesn’t happen again. (3/3)
— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) May 16, 2015
Fans were instantly outraged at the comparison and took to social media to voice their concern.
Seriously @UnderArmour? 6,281 men didn’t die at Iwo Jima so you could sell a “Band of Ballers” t-shirt. Merica. pic.twitter.com/KEL5wnberA
— Cloyd Rivers Pics (@CloydRiversPics) May 17, 2015
@UnderArmour this is disgusting and a slap in the face to my fellow #Marines. “Band of Ballers” shirt? Such a shame pic.twitter.com/BXJASwCCoa
— Anthony White (@AnthonyWhiteTX) May 16, 2015
Top picture is the true picture. Bottom is #UnderArmour & a t-shirt they are selling “Band of Ballers”. Shameful pic.twitter.com/0GjrcAWOdD
— Ellen Moorefield (@EllenMoorefield) May 16, 2015
@UnderArmour whoever came up with “Band of Ballers” needs to fired. And maybe give up their marketing/advertising degree.
— David McDowell (@DaveWMcDowell) May 16, 2015
Disappointing and disrespectful move by @UnderArmour with their “band of ballers” t-shirt ripping off the flag raising at Iwo Jima.
— Derek Akner (@DerekAkner) May 16, 2015
@UnderArmour you need to remove the Band of Ballers shirt immediately. piss poor design and decision.
— travis walsh (@travis_walsh) May 16, 2015
Do you think the “Band of Ballers” T-shirt was disrespectful? Do you agree with Under Armour pulling the shirt? Leave your comments below.
[Photo via Twitter]
