A Duke University basketball star sprained his knee after one of his Nike shoes ripped apart Wednesday during the Blue Devils' rivalry game against North Carolina.
According to The Associated Press, the bizarre incident happened less than a minute into the widely watched game as famous faces, including former President Barack Obama, watched from the stands. Duke freshman Zion Williamson slipped, his shoe splitting as he fell to the ground.
No. 1 Duke eventually lost to No. 8 North Carolina, 88-72.
After the game, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said Williamson had suffered a mild sprain. Krzyzewski wasn't sure how long Williamson would need to recover, the AP reported.
Nike released the following statement overnight, according to Des Bieler of the Washington Post:
"We are obviously concerned and want to wish Zion a speedy recovery," the statement read. "The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance. While this is an isolated occurrence, we are working to identify the issue."
Obama, whose reaction to the moment was caught on camera, tweeted well-wishes to Williamson late Wednesday.
"Zion Williamson seems like an outstanding young man as well as an outstanding basketball player," Obama wrote. "Wishing him a speedy recovery."
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
