this is "nightline." >> tonight, just do it. nike's new campaign featuring colin kaepernick. kicking off a preseason controversy. >> sacrificed his career for what he believed in. >> some fans reacting with their own protests. others supporting the swoosh. >> as soon as i saw that ad i was very proud. >> how branding social activism could impact the future of this corporate giant and the nfl. plus ashlee and evan. ♪ ashlee simpson, "the pieces of me" singer. ♪ i like the way that feels >> back with a new reality show with husband and fellow musician evan ross. >> i kind of felt like i wanted people to know me, get to know our lives. >> from trying to create new

hits together to spending quiet time with evan's mom, motown royalty diana ross. what simpson says about coming back from her infamous "snl" moment. ruby return. why the fbi is clicking its heels over the return of oz's most famous fair of slippers. ♪ we're off to see the wizard the wonderful wizard of oz ♪ >> first the "nightline 5." jimmy's gotten used to his room smell. he's gone nose blind. he thinks it smells fine. his mom smells this. luckily for hard to wash fabrics, febreze fabric refresher. it eliminates odors you've gone nose blind to. try febreze unstoppables for fabric, twice the fresh scent power. try it again, again, maybe just one more time. irresistible freshness. febreze unstoppables. breathe happy. >> number one in just 60

♪ ♪ ♪ raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens ♪ ♪ bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens ♪ ♪ brown paper packages tied up with strings ♪ ♪ these are a few of my favorite things ♪ ♪ ♪

good evening. thanks for joining us. tonight nike's iconic no-excuses ad campaign reigniting fierce controversy. just do it. for decades it inspired elite athletes and couch potatoes alike. but is all the drama good for the brand? here's my "nightline" coanchor dan harris. >> reporter: a seemingly simple statement spelled out in black and white. the words "believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything." the face, colin kaepernick. with this new ad, nike now appears to be taking sides in the debate over kneeling during the national anthem. the controversy that has engulfed the nfl. >> the nfl star suddenly at the center of a national debate -- >> reaction to president trump's tweets about player protests still reverberating around nfl stadiums -- >> now to that bold statement from nike -- >> reporter: the sports apparel giant naming the former pro

quarterback as a face iconic "just do it" campaign days before the football season kicks off. >> in the history of sports, no campaign, no ad campaign, is bigger than "just do it." michael jordan, tiger woods, kobe bryant, and for them to pick colin kaepernick, a guy who is not playing right now, but has a huge social footprint, is something that we haven't seen before in sports. >> reporter: kaepernick's protest began as a way to raise awareness about racial inequality and police brutality against unarmed black men. and as soon as he tweeted the ad yesterday, it went viral. reaction ranging from supportive messages like, i am inspired by how he lives the american spirit. to a literal firestorm of outrage. fans burping their nike gear in protest. >> sorry, nike, i've been buying you 20-plus years, not anymore. >> if you're mad, don't burn your nikes. send them to me, i wear size 12,

thank you. >> reporter: the blowback included country singer john rich. ♪ save a horse ride a cowboy >> reporter: the super group big and rich who launched tweets urging followers to boycott nike. rich specifically took aim at the socks kaepernick wore to the san francisco 49ers camp back in 2016, depicting pigs wearing police hats. rich wrote, if nike wants their swoosh to be associated with calling our police pigs, then so be it, i have a right to not buy their products. >> they definitely chose the wrong person for this one. >> reporter: in protest, some people like new york city police sergeant joseph inperitwice changed the image to photos of police officers killed in the line of duty. >> every time the family members see these players kneel it's hurtful. it's disrespecting our country, also is sacrifice their family members made. >> reporter: firing back. >> as soon as i saw that ad, i was very proud. the statement he made and has been making, the family comes

forth. he will finally get his justice. >> reporter: the debate whether nike has crossed a line playing out today on "the view." >> you are inalienating a number of folks that would normally buy your brand. if i know folks that are protesting this, they're not going to buy nike. >> and you have half the country that will continue to buy, in fact, i'm going to buy more nike stuff. >> for years nike would not want to wade into anything that would alienate a segment of society, which is what makes this move with colin kaepernick so unique. >> reporter: kaepernick kicked off the movement to kneel during the anthem two years ago in solidarity 200 other nfl players, coaches, and owners followed suit. taking a knee or sitting for the anthem became a kind of political rorschach test seen either as an act of nonviolent protest -- >> we back them 100%, they're my family, my brothers. >> reporter: or a sign of disrespect. >> a lot of these players are young, naive and stupid. >> you should stand for the national anthem. >> reporter: president trump often fanning the flames of this

controversy. >> wouldn't you love to see one of these nfl owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, get that [ bleep ] off the field right now? out, he's fired. >> there ain't no dividing us, you know what i'm saying? i guess we're all [ bleep ]. >> reporter: the issue got so hot the super bowl champion philadelphia eagles were disinvited from visiting the white house after several players refused to meet the president. >> the past couple years i haven't been interested in going to take a photo at the white house with that individual. >> reporter: former new jersey governor and one-time trump adviser chris kristy has said the president is not to blame here. >> colin kaepernick politicized it. he's the one who decided to bring a political public policy issue onto the football field. >> reporter: today the president back on the record about the new ad telling "the daily caller," i think it's a terrible message and a message that shouldn't be sent, there's no reason for it. he added, in another way it what is this country is all about, that you have certain freedoms to do things other people you

shouldn't do. but i'm person alternately on a different side of it. kaepernick didn't always knee. he began his protest by sitting. but former nfl player nate boyer, also a former green beret, felt sitting was disrespectful and wrote the 49ers quarterback a letter. the two eventually talked and came up with a compromise. >> he was asking me, what can i do that you think would be more respectful? because i'm not going to stand until i see changes. i suggested kneeling because you can often see an image of a war fighter taking a knee in front of a fallen brother's grave to pay respects. >> reporter: kaepernick is a free agent. he's yet to receive a contract offer to play. and has filed a grievance against the nfl saying owners have colluded to keep him from signing with nfl teams. since leaving the league he has rarely spoken in public. this speech in the spring a rare appearance for an award from amnesty international for his activism. >> it is the people's unbroken

love for themselves that motivates me even when faced with dehumanizing norms of a system that can lead to the loss of one's life over simply being black. >> reporter: team owners and the league have struggled with how to deal with the impacts. debating policies on whether to fine players or teams who protest during the anthem. >> the nfl is trying to please so many different people in their fan base, people who are for and against that they're caught in a catch-22. so the nfl in many ways is damned if they do, damned if they don't. >> reporter: a new poll found the majority of americans said kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial inequality is inappropriate, which is why some consider nike's kaepernick ad such a bold choice. nike is the official apparel manufacturer for the nfl. the company signed kaepernick back in 2011. the new deal includes a signature shoe and apparel line along with nike making contributions to kaepernick's foundation. >> so it seems like while the campaign in part is based on nike taking a stand, nike might

have also been forced to act because if its contract ran out, colin kaepernick's out there for any shoe company to sign. >> reporter: a vice president for nike telling espn about the new deal, quote, colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward. the controversy comes as nike is celebrating 30 years of its "just do it" campaign. >> i run 17 miles every morning! >> reporter: the vogue began first hit screens in 1988. those three words skyrocketing nike's profile. turning the doubts of top athletes into catchy, thoughtful inspiration. from michael jordan to serena williams. >> be tough -- >> reporter: who spoke over the weekend about supporting kaepernick's mission. >> i think every athlete, every human, and definitely every african-american, should be completely grateful for and honored to help colin and eric

who are doing so much for the greater good. >> reporter: could nike's new, more controversial choice hit its bottom line? >> we've seen stats that suggest that around 46% of nike's customer base supports kaepernick and his cause. that's about 10% higher than the national average. >> reporter: but advertising experts point out some risks reap huge rewards. >> are they going to lose customers? absolutely. are they going to anger people? we've seen that all over twitter already. but they also know they're probably on the right side of history. and they know they're gaining street cred. and they know in the long run, brand boycotts don't really do anything. >> reporter: for people like sergeant inperitwice, all he sees as company trying to cash in on a divided nation. >> you can't fault colin kaepernick for having that opportunity. for nike to go and jump into this media frenzy and political war and get a gentleman that has no relevance to the sport anymore, yeah, maybe as an activist if you want to call him, but to put him up there and

give him money and look to make revenue, i don't understand that. >> reporter: pro players like chris long recognize kaepernick's mission and sacrifice. >> we should talk about it. kaep does not have a job in the nfl because of his ideology. then you see a major corporation like nike get behind him, it kind of reinforces that you can still stand up for what you believe? . that's the positive of it to me. >> reporter: thursday marks the nfl season opener. it's not clear if any players will knee for the an them, but one thing that seems clear, kaepernick is still impacting the discussion about the nfl even without stepping into play. up next, "pieces of me" singer ashlee simpson returns for round two of reality tv. her new music and what she now says about that infamous "snl" moment. this is a cell. so are all these. they work together, doing important stuff...

like keeping your vital organs running and what not. the hitch? like you, your cells get hungry. feed them with centrum micronutrients. designed to nourish and revitalize you at the cellular level. restoring your awesome on the daily. centrum. feed your cells. on the daily. endless shrimp is back at red keep those slobster.min'! with all the shrimp you want, any way you want them.

try delicious creations like new crunchy fiesta shrimp tortilla chip crusted then topped with a creamy blend of three cheeses and finished with pico de gallo. and there's new sesame-ginger shrimp. grilled and drizzled with savory soy-ginger sauce and sprinkled with asian seasoning. and don't forget the favorites you love, like garlic shrimp scampi! but endless shrimp won't last endlessly, so hurry in. in the beginning. fresh but that plug...quickly faded. luckily, there's new febreze plug. it cleans away odors and freshens for 1200 hours. [sniffs] ahhhh! breathe happy with new febreze plug. when i walked through a snowthat's when i knewtte, i had to quit. for real this time. that's why i'm using nicorette. only nicorette gum has patented dual-coated technology for great taste. plus intense craving relief. every great why, needs a great how.

ashlee simpson is back. she has new music and a new reality show with her husband, evan ross. she also says she has a newfound perspective on that now-infamous "snl" debacle. why she says it made her stronger. here's abc's abbie boudreau. ♪ all my girls we're in a circle ♪ ♪ hello hello hello hello hello ♪ >> reporter: she's back. and ready to talk about love. ♪ did you hear me >> reporter: after almost a

decade out of the spotlight -- >> evan and i have a really cool connection. >> reporter: ashlee simpson is giving reality tv a second chance. >> i do not want to have my first song that we put out be that. >> reporter: the 33-year-old former pop princess now starring with her husband, actor and musician evan ross, in the new e! docu-series "ashlee and evan." >> i feel it's been such a long time, i kind of wanted people to know me and get to know our lives, which it's been a minute. >> reporter: the show chronicles the couple's fun-loving private life. >> i want to get naked. >> come on in. >> reporter: along with her musical journey together. as they work toward the release of their new album due out this fall, ashlee's first album in ten years. >> i've really missed music. i always knew there was going to be a day and time i would come back to it. for me with my husband it's been an amazing experience. >> reporter: both simpson and ross come from music royalty.

ashlee is the younger sister of singer and business mogul jessica simpson. and evan is the youngest child of miss diana ross. ♪ i'm coming up >> reporter: the songstress known for hits like "i'm coming out." ♪ ain't no mountain high enough ♪ >> reporter: and "ain't no mountain high enough" which she performed at last year's american music awards. >> my mom was there all the time. >> reporter: mama d, as she's known in their family, makes an appearance on the show. >> we were in your mother's recording studio on your schedule. she would say, johnny, i have to pick the guys up from school, i won't be there until 4:00. >> you're a singer, you're an actor, your mom's diana ross, like oh, okay, no pressure here. do you ever feel it? >> yeah, i do. i think it's a good pressure, though. it's not a pressure that she i think ever wants us to feel. i'd be nervous to sing in front of her now, you know what i mean? probably just because i love her so much. >> i definitely know he wants

her stamp of approval. for me if she's in on our project and proud of us, then i don't know, i just get really sweet, good butterflies about it. >> reporter: the couple recently took us to a recording studio beloved by diana herself. where they've been working on a series of duets which will be released during the show's run. ♪ leaving me open i'm floating >> reporter: they played a preview of their single "i do" out this friday. ♪ asked me if i love you ♪ yo yo yo >> reporter: their sound showcasing a softer side of simpson. >> i've grown. i'm not feeling angsty. ♪ >> reporter: this isn't the first time simpson has shared pieces of herself with fans. her mtv series "the ashlee simpson show" followed the start of her music career when she was just 19 years old, documenting

the making of her first album "autobiography." >> at that time there was no like show about making an album. people got to really connect to my life. they understood my story. >> ashlee! >> reporter: sharing her story didn't come without controversy. in 2004, the singer was set to make her "snl" debut. ♪ on a monday >> reporter: criticized after it appeared she was planning to lip synch. when a prerecorded vocal track started to play recognize ♪ >> obviously you hit some bumps in the road. >> oh yeah. >> with "snl." >> yeah, yeah. this world made me strong. things happen. and for me, taking moments in my life to grow from each of those moments, has really made me the woman i am, the mother i am. you're handed this card, it's like people can be like, oh, woe is me. it's like, no, it makes me stronger. ♪ trust me >> reporter: today ashlee focusing on writing her next chapter with ross by her side.

performing their new music at the i heart summit. ♪ i'd do i'd do anything for you ♪ >> reporter: the couple recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary. now they're the parents of 3-year-old daughter jagger. simpson is also the mother of 9-year-old bronx, who she coparents with ex pete wets of fall out boy fame. >> after your first marriage did you feel, will i ever find love again? >> definitely. >> were you worried? were you wanting to find -- >> definitely. i was a single mother, i really didn't know if i would always be a single mother or i didn't know really what was in store for me. but i'm very thankful for what was. it makes me want to cry. it's like i had this man right here waiting for me. and this is my soul mate. and life is beautiful. i appreciate it. thank you. >> hi, ashlee! >> reporter: they say sharing intimate family moments is part of the reason they signed on to

the show. you had mentioned before you're excited to do this reality show because it's a positive. there's a lot of love. and you thought that that's what the world needs right now. why do you say that? >> you hope for kids and people just in general to see a little positivity. and life, happiness. >> it feels like there's a lot of anger out there. i feel like if we can put a little bit of love in there and kind of show how beautiful it is to be a blended family. >> yeah. >> and all those other things don't really matter. >> "ashlee and evan" premieres sunday night on e! up next, ruby returned. the fbi's hunt for hollywood's most iconic slippers. how they followed the clues to return them to their rightful home. >> follow the yellow brick road? >> follow the yellow brick road!

touch shows how we really feel. but does psoriasis ever get in the way? embrace the chance of 100% clear skin with taltz. up to 90% of those with moderate to severe psoriasis had a significant improvement of their psoriasis plaques. most people were still clearer after one year. with taltz, 4 out of 10 even achieved completely clear skin. don't use if you're allergic to taltz. before starting, you should be checked for tuberculosis. taltz may increase risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. tell your doctor if you have an infection, symptoms, or received a vaccine or plan to. inflammatory bowel disease can happen with taltz, including worsening of symptoms. serious allergic reactions can occur. ready for a chance at 100% clear skin? ask your doctor about taltz. (vo) ovewhelming air fresheners can send you running. so try febreze one. with no aerosols and no heavy perfumes. so you can spray and stay. febreze one.

take us downtown, waze. waze integration- seamlessly connecting the world inside... with the world outside... making life a little... easier. introducing the well-connected lincoln mkc. but their nutritional needs remain instinctual. that's why there's purina one true instinct. real meat #1. a different breed of natural nutrition. purina one true instinct. now, try new purina one true instinct treats.

today, life-changing technology from abbott is helping hunt them down at their source. because the faster we can identify new viruses, the faster we can get to stopping them. the most personal technology, is technology with the power to change your life. life. to the fullest.

finally tonight, the fbi reminding us all that there's no place like home.

the agency in true hollywood fashion announcing that they recovered that pair of iconic ruby red slippers worn by doer tee in the classic film "the wizard of oz." they were stolen from the judy garland museum in minnesota 13 years ago and are estimated to be worth at least $1 million. grand rapids police chief scott johnson telling reporters they're more than a pair of shoes, they're an enduring symbol of the power of believing. snows we're off to see the wizard ♪ >> thanks for watching just when you thought you were done painting... ...you discover paint bleed under your tape... not with frogtape! frogtape is the only painter's tape treated with patented paintblock technology. paintblock reacts with the water in latex paint to form a micro-barrier against paint bleed, giving you the sharpest lines possible. get professional results with frogtape... no messy lines, no paint bleed. for sharp lines every time, frog it!