AP Photo/Eric Risberg

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Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback known for starting protests over police brutality and racial inequality, watched the first television airing of a Nike ad featuring his likeness and voice from the apparel giant's Beaverton headquarters Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

The news organization reports the ad aired during the third quarter of the NFL season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. The Oregonian/OregonLive previously reported Kaepernick was in the Portland area.

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The spot highlights the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who's locked in a grievance with the league. Kaepernick has sued the owners, accusing them of colluding to keep him out of the league after he began kneeling during the national anthem in September 2016. He's now a free agent who has not played a game since 2016.

Kaepernick's deal with Nike for the 30th anniversary of the "Just Do It" campaign was the most polarizing issue in sports this week, prompting heated debate on several topics including athletes protesting social injustice and Nike wading into political waters.

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AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

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Some fans responded to Kaepernick's sponsorship deal by cutting or burning gear with Nike's signature swoosh logo. Others argued the backlash and calls for a Nike boycott showed how debate has morphed beyond how to react to athletes trying to highlight issues like racial inequality and police shootings of unarmed minorities.

For a company known for outrageous, funny and even inspiring advertisements, the new campaign has put Nike in an unprecedented position: effectively picking a fight with a sitting president and his millions of supporters.

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AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

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Donald Trump repeatedly blasted Kaepernick after the former 49er began kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.

"I don't like what Nike did. I don't think it's appropriate what they did," Trump said in an interview with Fox News before a rally in Montana. "I honor the flag. I honor our national anthem and most of the people in this country feel the same way."

-- Staff and wire reports

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