A store owner from Athens, Alabama, made a choice that divided opinions and sparked an online debate when he decided not to sell two specific Pepsi products.
Phillip Stewart, the owner of SandZ Grocery, asserted that he could not advertise goods with the NFL’s logo because he disagreed.
I don’t want to lend them any kind of support. Because it just seems wrong, he explained to WAFF. It does have the logo on it, so I can’t sell the product in good conscience,” he continued.
Due to his disapproval of how some NFL players disrespected the flag by kneeling during the national anthem, Steward informed his customers via a Facebook post that he would stop selling the products.
A number of athletes took a knee during the playing of the national anthem in protest of the treatment of people of color and police brutality.
There are other ways to handle it, Stewart continued after acknowledging the athletes’ argument. ”.
He continued, “I’m sure there is good that comes from this; I just don’t agree with the tactic. This has brought attention to it.
Neither Pepsi nor the aim of the protest offended this business owner. He keeps selling their products instead of those bearing the NFL logo.
While some people regarded Stewart’s decision as foolish, others respected him for standing up for his convictions.