NIKE IVERSON TRIBUTE SHOE / Never to be released

               NIKE IVERSON TRIBUTE SHOE / Never to be released

 http://www.balldontstop.com/allen-iverson-pulls-plug-on-nike-zoom-flight-96/

Nike is planning on releasing a Zoom Flight 96 series in early 2015 which will play tribute to 1996 NBA Draft class which is considered  by many the greatest of all-time. The Nike Zoom Flight dropped in 1996 and was worn by Penny Hardaway and Jason Kidd.  One of the colorways Nike is planning on releasing in 2015 is a Kobe Bryant edition, the other planned release was this Nike Zoom Flight 96 Allen Iverson edition paying homage to the no.1 overall pick from the 96 draft.

However, Iverson, who is a lifetime Reebok athlete and has the second biggest sneaker line next to Mike’s has halted the shoe release. A.I. contacted his lawyer about the sneaker which he felt was paying a tribute to him, which it obviously was. The 76ers colorway and the #3 on the heel is confirmation that this was indeed an Iverson colorway. The shoe did not feature Iverson or the 76ers name on it, and Iverson would not be making a buck off the sales.

Nike will no longer be releasing the shoe. Via the AP: 

Nike is pulling back on plans for a shoe that sneakily honors Allen Iverson after the former NBA superstar questioned whether the company could use his old number and team colors while he’s endorsed by rival Reebok.

Iverson says Nike used his identity, likeness and persona without permission for a sneaker out of the company’s Zoom Flight ’96 collection.

The ambiguously titled sneaker has the No. 3 — Iverson’s number — on each back heel and the red, white and blue colors of the Philadelphia 76ers. Neither Iverson nor the Sixers are named on the sneaker or on the branding for the shoe, which were expected to be released later this year or in early 2015.

Iverson’s lawyer sent a letter to Nike this week objecting to the shoe.

Nike spokesman KeJuan Wilkins said in a statement Thursday that the version of the shoe Iverson protested won’t hit stores.

“Nike has made a business decision to not move forward with the shoe in the red/blue and white/purple colorways,” Wilkins said in an email. “However, two colorways inspired by the original 1996 colorways will still be available for purchase.”