Kanye West’s widely talked about Donda Sports brand, stemming from his California-based private school Donda Academy, has not received the investment it was hoping for in professional athletes. The popular business model had just two superstars who previously published their partnership with Donda Sports, defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald (31), and shooting guard for the Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown. However, both athletes recently announced their departure from Yeezy’s brand earlier this week with individual explanations.
Brown wrote to his viewers – “I have always, and will always, continue to stand strongly against antisemitism, hate speech, misrepresentation, and oppressive rhetoric of any kind. In light of that, after sharing my conversations, I now recognize that there are times when my voice and my position can’t coexist in spaces that don’t correspond with my stance or my values,” he stated. “And for that reason, I am terminating my association with Donda Sports.”
Shortly after the Boston star vocalized his withdrawal, Donald posted the following informative paragraph to his social media followers: “Our family has the decision to part ways with Donda Sports,” he wrote. “The recent comments and displays of hate and antisemitism are the exact opposite of how we choose to live our lives and raise our children, and we find them to be irresponsible while going against everything we believe in as a family… We do not feel that our beliefs, voices, and actions belong anywhere near a space that misrepresents and oppresses people of any background, ethnicity, or race.”