Schumer to Adidas: Keep NBA jersey production in U.S.

The possibility that NBA uniforms for next year's season could be made in Asia has one New York Democrat furious and concerned over job losses.

After learning Adidas might shift all of its apparel production to Thailand — a move that could kill some domestic jobs at firms in New York — Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded the company reconsider its deal for the sake of the sport and the economy.

"It is flat wrong for Adidas to move the production of the jerseys worn by NBA players outside the United States when there are U.S. companies that have done this work so well for so long," Schumer said in a statement.

"And to do it in this economic climate adds insult to injury," he added. "The jerseys the NBA players wear should be made in the USA, plain and simple."

Schumer estimated the move could kill about 100 jobs at American Classic Outfitters — a Perry, N.Y., firm that has made NBA jerseys for about 40 years, he said. The senator plans to hold a press conference there later Tuesday afternoon to state his opposition to Adidas's decision.

"To do anything else is an insult to the American worker and sports fans everywhere in America," Schumer said.

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