Stephon Marbury is gearing up for the relaunch of his $15 signature brand sneaker Starbury. But Stephon is also taking aim at NBA legend Michael Jordan.
The 38-year-old former NBA player accused Jordan of “robbing the hood” and being responsible for kids getting killed for his high-priced sneakers in a series of tweets:
“Home boy your paying 200 for Jordan’s and they make them for 5 dollars. The shoes are made in China in the same places. Stay calm we coming!
Home boy your paying 200 for Jordan's and they make them for 5 dollars. The shoes are made in China in the same places. Stay calm we coming!
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 4, 2015
“Jordan has been robbing the hood since. Kids dying for shoes and the only face this dude makes is I don’t care. The time will change!
Jordan has been robbing the hood since. Kids dying for shoes and the only face this dude makes is I don't care. The time will change!
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 5, 2015
“My man you will never win against kids being killed over sneakers. No matter what you say you will lose so stop trying. Silence is best 4 U!” he wrote.
My man you will never win against kids being killed over sneakers. No matter what you say you will lose so stop trying. Silence is best 4 U!
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 7, 2015
The Washington Post reports Jordan made $100 million in 2014 from Nike, Jumpman and Air Jordan, citing a PBS NewsHour report on the 2014-15 $34 billion sneaker industry. The report also states Nike and the Jordan Brand account for more than 90 percent of basketball shoe sales in the U.S.
Forbes reported on the popularity of the Jordan brand in March:
Nike’s Jordan Brand is a financial juggernaut. Jordan U.S. shoe sales rose 17% last year to $2.6 billion, according to data compiled by SportScanInfo. Jordan has eight times the sales of the signature shoes for the top active NBA star, Lebron James. Jordan apparel and the international business add more than $1 billion as well. The Jordan Brand commanded 58% market share of the $4.2 billion U.S. basketball shoe market last year, up from 54% in 2013. The Swoosh’s share jumps to 95.5% if you include Nike Basketball. The competition: Adidas (2.6% share), Under Armour (1%) and Reebok (0.8%)
Marbury later replied to fans that encouraged his move and even those who were personally affected by the violence related to the Jordan brand.
He's a follower not even giving that any energy. https://t.co/qoYwYOEHVB
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 5, 2015
#facts no lies. We coming don't worry. Someone has to step up in our culture for our culture. Why not it be me! https://t.co/HHx2izmGeU
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 5, 2015
I'm just trying to create access for all. Sadly people hate the idea because others will have. https://t.co/975kL8XVYT
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 6, 2015
Real people know. I'm off the kids getting killed for Jordan's. I hate that this dude won't change that. Greedy! https://t.co/tcpL2whXVE
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 6, 2015
Yeah I know. People are so caught up in the greatness of his play that they lost their way. https://t.co/701YL3TfRC
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 6, 2015
I hate when kids cry because they can't get this dude shoes because they can't afford to buy them. It's hard on moms https://t.co/xG1Fqdp5fL
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 6, 2015
It's not about the shoes it's about the thought.
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 6, 2015
Kids in China have no clue that kids get killed for Jordan's. Either he will change it or the people will speak. https://t.co/Zu3PbOghqt
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 6, 2015
Sorry for your lose my dude. We all over it my brother. Empower the hood! https://t.co/z9BhXFBfz7
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 7, 2015
Marbury, who now plays basketball in China, debuted his low-cost sneakers in 2006. But the line folded in 2008 after Starbury and Steve & Barry’s filed for bankruptcy and liquidated all of its stores.
Marbury took to IG to showcase his new designs. He told followers to expect the shoe to hit the stores soon.
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