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CLEVELAND, OHIO - LeBron James may be stuck in his Cleveland Cavaliers uniform for quite a while.
Changes to a huge banner across from Quicken Loans Arena are on hold, after the Cleveland City Planning Commission tabled a request from Nike.
The shoe company wanted to change the picture to one featuring LeBron James without his shirt on, and the words "Prepare for Combat" next to him. The "Prepare for Combat" slogan is one that Nike uses for their line of Nike Pro Combat clothing.
A Nike spokesman told the Planning Commission Friday morning that the slogan was more of a reference to LeBron preparing to win a championship in Cleveland.
City Planning Commission Chair Anthony J. Coyne Esq. said, "I think you're sneaking in there some Nike endorsements for Nike shorts, and then the body armor material."
During the meeting it was referenced that advertising where the current "We are all Witnesses" banner stands is not allowed. The only reason the current banner is permitted in that spot is because it is considered "Commercial Art," and the mention of Nike is minimal. There's only a small Nike swoosh on the banner.
The commission feels that the proposed banner is too much Nike advertising and therefore would not be allowed by current Cleveland law.
"We want to work with you," said Commission member Lillian Kuri, "I think this needs to be artistic representation, that doesn't straddle that line."
The Commission decided to table the issue and come back in two weeks, giving Nike time to make changes to the banner based on the commissions recommendations. Their next meeting is December 4th.
Changes to a huge banner across from Quicken Loans Arena are on hold, after the Cleveland City Planning Commission tabled a request from Nike.
The shoe company wanted to change the picture to one featuring LeBron James without his shirt on, and the words "Prepare for Combat" next to him. The "Prepare for Combat" slogan is one that Nike uses for their line of Nike Pro Combat clothing.
A Nike spokesman told the Planning Commission Friday morning that the slogan was more of a reference to LeBron preparing to win a championship in Cleveland.
City Planning Commission Chair Anthony J. Coyne Esq. said, "I think you're sneaking in there some Nike endorsements for Nike shorts, and then the body armor material."
During the meeting it was referenced that advertising where the current "We are all Witnesses" banner stands is not allowed. The only reason the current banner is permitted in that spot is because it is considered "Commercial Art," and the mention of Nike is minimal. There's only a small Nike swoosh on the banner.
The commission feels that the proposed banner is too much Nike advertising and therefore would not be allowed by current Cleveland law.
"We want to work with you," said Commission member Lillian Kuri, "I think this needs to be artistic representation, that doesn't straddle that line."
The Commission decided to table the issue and come back in two weeks, giving Nike time to make changes to the banner based on the commissions recommendations. Their next meeting is December 4th.
