In a shocking turn of events reverberating across both the sports and fashion industries, basketball icon Michael Jordan has announced his resignation from the board of directors at Nike, citing the company’s recent embrace of “woke” culture as the primary reason for his departure.

Sources close to Jordan reveal that the six-time NBA champion had been increasingly disenchanted with Nike’s recent efforts to align itself with progressive social causes, particularly its decision to feature controversial activist Colin Kaepernick in a recent ad campaign.

In a statement issued by his publicist, Jordan expressed his longstanding belief in Nike’s brand power and his historical association with the company. However, he asserted his inability to continue supporting Nike’s recent trajectory, emphasizing a perceived shift away from the core mission of producing exceptional products that resonate with consumers. Instead, Jordan criticized Nike for prioritizing virtue signaling and political correctness over product quality and consumer satisfaction.

Jordan’s exit has already had significant repercussions for Nike’s financial standing, with the company’s stock price plummeting by more than 5% following the announcement, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars in market value.

Perhaps the most devastating blow to Nike is the departure of the Air Jordan brand, a cornerstone of its product lineup for decades. Insiders reveal that Jordan has retained ownership of the Air Jordan trademark, effectively prohibiting Nike from producing or selling the iconic sneaker line.

A spokesperson for Jordan confirmed his complete disassociation from Nike, indicating that he intends to explore new opportunities in the sports and fashion sectors. This decision marks a significant setback for Nike, but for Jordan, it represents an opportunity to pursue a new path unrestricted by the perceived limitations of a company he believes has veered off course.

In his statement, Jordan expressed optimism about the future and his eagerness to focus on creating exceptional products that resonate with consumers, signaling his commitment to maintaining the legacy he has built throughout his illustrious career.