Under Armour Pulls Iwo Jima "Band of Ballers" T-Shirt After Backlash

Under Armour apologizes for controversial "Band of Ballers" T-shirt.

May 16, 2015
Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

A basketball T-shirt released by Under Armour caused a lot of outrage on Friday due to a graphic referencing the iconic raising of the flag in Iwo Jima. People took to social media to express their disappointment in the brand's decision to release the "Band of Ballers" shirt, which they felt disrespected the military and the historic context of the image. The public disapproval of the image has caused Under Armour to pull the product.

1.

.@UnderArmour On behalf of my US Military brothers and sisters, reducing Iwo Jima to b-ball moment is UNACCEPTABLE.pic.twitter.com/hDbxnwwUG3

— Venator (@MaxVenator) May 16, 2015

2.

@UnderArmour 'Band of Ballers' shirt is an epic #fail & disgraceful to #USMC veterans- you owe our heroes an apology pic.twitter.com/CIKB15Luk5

— Kristine Schellhaas (@KristineSpeaks) May 16, 2015

 Earlier today Under Armour issued a statement apologizing via Twitter and has removed the shirts from all retailers. 

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

 

6.

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