by Morgan Clendaniel

The similarity between the cover art of Minor Threat's 1984 album and the ad campaign of Nike's "Major Threat" skateboarding tour (which you, once again, can compare here) seems to have struck a chord with someone in Nike's legal department, because the company has apologized and attempted to pull every single ad featuring the image.

Yesterday, Minor Threat front man Ian MacKaye told MTV.com that it was:

"disheartening to us to think that Nike may be successful in using this imagery to fool kids, just beginning to become familiar with skate culture, underground music and D.I.Y. ideals, into thinking that the general ethos of this label, and Minor Threat in particular, can somehow be linked to Nike's mission."

MacKaye didn't need to add that none of Minor Threat's music was made in alleged sweatshops.

Today, Nike fell on its own sword, accepting full responsibility for the similarities. Removing all blame from legendary Nike ad agency Wieden and Kennedy, Nike stated that the ad was both entirely their responsibility and, for those who had yet to figure this out: "a poor judgment call." Neither Minor Threat nor their label, Dischord Records, have commented since the release of the apology.