By Eric D. GrahamBALL UP OR SHUT UP-Congratulations!!! to Levar Ball for "trying" to be Black & Independent, while trying to develop his own brand -without being branded- by the same multi-billion dollar shoe companies, who have exploited athletes year after year- by making shoes for 10 cents and selling them for $60 to $120 a pair.
Despite, the price of his son's shoe, which is $495 (now), Ball has created another paradigm shift-if not, in conversation (only) in the way that athletes may conduct shoe deals in the future.
This, however, is no different than Stephon Marbury, when he decided to launch his own shoe apparel in September 2006 in China, which he sold for only $14.95.
Therefore, let's get this clear, Nike's co-founder Phil Knight once sold shoes out of the back of his green Plymouth Valiant. But, today, his company has grown into a worldwide powerhouse: In fiscal 2012, Nike, Inc. raked in more than $24 billion in global revenue.
So, while the media, wants to call Ball crazy-at least-he's offering another alternative-to an old system, which continues to exploit us.
With that said, maybe some of these other million-dollar athletes, instead of complaining, mocking, and criticizing him, should jump on board to assist him in order to make this business venture successful instead of being "loyal" to brands like Nike, Reebok, Adidas, and UnderArmour.
If this takes place, he can make his shoes affordable for all children-making him the "New" king of sneakers.
