Does Kevin Durant's 'PG County' Nike Shoe Insult Area? (Update)

UPDATED at 6:15 p.m.

NBA superstar and Prince George’s County native Kevin Durant thought he was paying homage to his home turf when he collaborated on a new sneaker with Nike.

But his good intentions have Prince George’s County officials crying foul to the apparel giant.

Durant, 27, of Suitland, is a three-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA scoring champion, according to his biography. The Oklahoma City Thunder star has a $300 million endorsement deal with Nike, which includes the Nike KD signature shoes.

The KD8 “P.G. County” $180 sneaker goes on sale today, but NBC Washington reports the abbreviation for the county is seen as a putdown. County officials even contacted Nike about changing the shoe’s name.

Leaders “sent a letter to Nike kind of giving them some idea of the nature of the term ‘Prince George’s County’ versus ‘PG County’ just to let them know that it is, to many in the county, a pejorative,” Barry Hudson, the county executive’s spokesman, told NBC.

»What do you think of the use of PG County? Is that a slam? Tell us in comments.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, released this statement about Durant’s “P.G. County” shoe”:

“We are very excited about the success of one of Prince George’s County’s native sons, Mr. Kevin Durant. He is a great basketball player and an incredible role model who gives back to the people and children of this county. We are very proud and excited that he decided to name his shoe after the place he grew up in and clearly loves. His tribute to Prince George’s County reflects the pride we all have in our county as a great place to live.“

Nike’s website carries this description of the new shoe: “Kevin Durant’s incredible journey to All-Star and MVP status began in Prince George’s County, Maryland. In this collection, a colorful crest and bright crimson fade honor his Seat Pleasant roots and rise to superstardom.”

As a youth, Durant played basketball at the Seat Pleasant Activity Center, where a room is named for him denoting his thousands of dollars in donations to the facility.

»Image of the KD8 P.G. County shoe, courtesy of Nike website