Rich
expanded on his comments hours later. "I support every American's (sic) right to protest whatever they want," Rich tweeted.
"However, if you endorse someone who wears #PIGSOCKS that's where you lose me. If @nike wants their 'swoosh' to be associated with calling our police 'Pigs' then so be it. I have a right to not purchase."
Later Tuesday, he issued a written statement, doubling down on his criticism and referencing the mass shooting that killed 58 people at a country music festival a year ago in Las Vegas.
"Our police saved lives at the Las Vegas shooting where we played, and the heroism they displayed is second to none," Rich said. "We appreciate the job they are willing to do all day, every day to protect all of us. They are the farthest thing from pigs."