Nike fires Kevin Durant over the Olympics commercial rejection before he can play for Team USA in Paris.

Kevin Durant is visibly upset with Nike after being excluded from the brand’s latest Olympics commercial, despite having a lifetime contract with them. The ad, titled “Winning Isn’t For Everyone,” features fellow American Olympians LeBron James, A’ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu but does not include Durant, who is part of the U.S. men’s basketball team heading to Paris for the Summer Olympics.Durant has been held out of the Team USA over the last few weeks because of a calf injury

Durant, who has been sidelined from Team USA’s pre-Olympics tune-up games due to a persistent calf injury, took to Instagram to voice his frustration. He questioned Nike’s decision, asking, “@Nike tell me, am I a bad person?????” He accompanied his post with photos showcasing his gold medals from the 2016 Rio and 2021 Tokyo Olympics, emphasizing his long-standing association with the brand.Durant misses the start of United States preparation due to injury

In his post, Durant reminded Nike of his commitment, stating, “Been wit yall every step of the way @nike. Even during the quarantine Olympics @nike.” His comments highlight his disappointment at not being featured in the promotional campaign, despite his significant contribution to Team USA’s success in past Olympics.Durant hauls USA men's basketball past France to fourth straight Olympic  gold | Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 | The Guardian

James and Michael Jordan are the only athletes who have secured lifetime contracts with Nike, a prestigious status Durant joined in 2007 after leaving Texas to join the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant’s absence from the commercial contrasts sharply with his substantial role and enduring partnership with the brand.Kevin Durant at USA Basketball Camp Photo Gallery | NBA.com

Though Durant was expected to potentially participate in Monday’s game against Germany, he remained on the sidelines. Team USA’s Olympic journey begins on Sunday with a group stage match against Serbia.