band of ballers.jpg
Under Armour has pulled its "Band of Ballers" T-shirt from retailers after complaints that it was disrespectful to veterans.
(Image from Twitter)
Under Armour, responding to heavy criticism, has pulled a T-shirt that depicted basketball players raising a hoop in the manner of the famous flag-raising at Iwo Jima during World War II.
This Feb. 23, 1945, file photo shows U.S. Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raising the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima, Japan.
People outraged by the depiction complained on the company's Facebook page and took to Twitter, saying the "Band of Ballers" T-shirt's image was disrespectful to American veterans.
"Under Armour has the utmost respect and admiration for active duty service men and women and veterans who have served our country," the company said in an apology on Twitter, according to UPI. "We deeply regret and apologize the release of a shirt that is not reflective of our commitment to support & honor our country's heroes.
"We have taken the necessary steps to remove this shirt, and any related shirts, from all retail and ensure this doesn't happen again."