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Julian Castro Supports Nike’s Decision To Pull Sneaker Line

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Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro announced his support Wednesday for Nike’s decision to remove a sneaker line that displays an old version of the American flag.

Castro stated he was “glad to see” the company cancel the sneaker line, which featured an American “Betsy Ross” flag with 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies, in an interview with CBSN.

Castro, a former Housing and Urban Development secretary, is the first 2020 presidential candidate to voice his support for the company after it drew national scrutiny for the decision.

“And look, there are a lot of things in our history that are still very painful … the Confederate flag that still flies in some places and is used as a symbol,” Castro said. “And I believe we need to move towards an inclusive America that understands that pain.”

Nike announced its decision to pull the sneakers Monday after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick reportedly told the company he found the sneakers offensive. (RELATED: Report: Colin Kaepernick Pressured Nike To Recall American Flag-Themed Sneakers)

Kaepernick, who has a Nike endorsement deal, gained national attention by kneeling during the national anthem, which is played before every NFL game.

Kaepernick explained he knelt during the anthem because he could not show pride in a nation that “oppresses black people and people of color,” in an exclusive interview with NFL Media in 2016.

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