Nike is facing backlash after Zion Williamson's shoe exploded

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Zion Williamson's Nike shoe.

• Nike is facing backlash after Zion Williamson's shoe exploded during a highly anticipated matchup between Duke and North Carolina. 
• Many people are blaming Nike for the incident, which forced Williamson to sit out the rest of the game with a knee injury. 
• Nike shares were down 1.4% in premarket trading at 9 a.m. ET on Thursday.

Nike is facing backlash after Duke star basketball player Zion Williamson's shoe exploded in a highly anticipated matchup against rival North Carolina. 

Less than a minute into the game, Williamson's shoe completely split open as he attempted to make a cut. Williamson was out the rest of the game with a knee injury. 

Read more: Wild photos show Zion Williamson's shoe after it exploded and he injured his knee

People were quick to blame Nike for the incident on social media. 

Others imagined the panic in Nike headquarters after the incident. 

Then there were those who were more interested in how this could impact Nike's rivals, such as Adidas and Under Armour. 

Pumas tweeted, then deleted: "Wouldn't have happened in the pumas." 

Even restaurant chains had something to say to Nike. 

"We are obviously concerned and want to wish Zion a speedy recovery," Nike said in a statement. "The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance. While this is an isolated occurrence, we are working to identify the issue."

Nike shares were down 1.4% in premarket trading at 9 a.m. ET on Thursday.