For those that have not seen the original post in May of this year [Starbury sneakers from Stephon Marbury - 5.1.2007.1] I discussed the benefit of the Starbury sneaker line, sold by Steve & Barry exclusively. For $15 dollars a celebrity entertainer endorsed sneaker can be bought, and according to comments by B-Esq (from the original post)
“The new Starbury line of sneakers are much better and more comfortable than my nikes, reeboks, filas and sauconys.”
While there was some news on this story, major media didn’t focus on the positive news, or the other positive actions by Mr. Marbury. Even now there is more attention to is sex life and initial comments about Michael Vick. But that takes away for the real story I think deserves attention.
There is the massive, NBA leading donations to Hurricane Katrina relief, the gift of sneakers to New York City high school varsity basketball players, and free haircuts to youth at Coney Island. Yes, negative news grabs headlines, but only when that is the focus of the news. The positives may be less sensational, but have far deeper impact.
And that impact in terms of the Starbury sneakers has grown. As I mentioned in the beginning, Mr. Marbury is now being joined by Ms. Williams and Mr. Wallace. Both of these star athletes are coming out with their own $15 endorsed sneakers. In fact Ms. Venus Williams will also be coming out with an entire line of clothing, each piece of which is priced at or below $20. And I think it’s about time.
I said before,
“I don’t fault anyone for making or endorsing a product and getting paid for it. Even better if they actually support and/or believe in the product. But ripping-off kids is wrong no matter what the reason. And it’s insulting when a multi-millionaire exploits fans, especially those in the least economically capable communities, to make another buck. Even the worst stockbrokers I worked with or knew of in the market would NEVER take money from kids and orphans. To make it blunt, profits in excess of 200% for a piece of sporting equipment that can’t survive the wear and tear of daily use beyond 6 months or so, and targeted to children and young adults, is exploitive.”
At $140 the new LeBron James’ Nike sneaker is exploitative, to me. It’s not worth the price. It’s taking advantage or the status and celebrity youth see in Mr. James. I again say I don’t fault him for getting paid, I just think he and others can do it more affordably for the very targeted African American community consumer.
I support the efforts of Steve & Barry, Ms. Williams, Mr. Wallace, and Mr. Marbury. I hope that their efforts make an impact with other companies, and gain massive popularity among African American kids. I suggest that on Nov. 15, everyone goes out and checks out the EleVen debut, which is the clothing line from tennis star and celebrity Venus Williams.
There are things in life that we want that cost a lot of money, like an education. A basic and essential item, clothing and footwear, should not be one of them. And I’m happy to say that a trend appears to be growing that agrees with this thought.
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