Nike Inc. took out a full-page ad in the Sunday New York Times to support the Rutgers women’s basketball team and women's sports. The ad came in the wake of racist and sexist comments that led to the firing of radio host Don Imus. It featured a white background with black text written above and below a subtle black Nike swoosh. It started: “Thank you, ignorance. Thank you for starting the conversation.”

The following is the copy:


Thank you, ignorance.

Thank you for starting the conversation.

Thank you for making an entire nation listen to the Rutger's team story.

And for making us wonder what other great stories we've missed.

Thanks you for reminding us how strong and poised 18 and 20-year-old women can be.

Thank you for reminding us that another basketball tournament goes on in March.

Thank you for showing us that sport includes more than the time spent on the court.

Thank you for unintentionally moving women's sport forward.

And thank you for making us all realize that we still have a long way to go.

Next season starts 11:16:07