As we previously reported, skateboarding journalist Robert Brink has spent his time exposing alleged pedophiles, groomers, and predators in the skate industry.
But for real though, before stepping away from skate journalism and announcing his retirement, Brink said he wanted to use his platform to help victims of abuse and minors who were exploited.
READ MORE: Robert Brink Ends His Skateboarding Journalism Career After Being “Too Close” to Suicide
His work has generated gnarly discussion throughout the skate community, especially around how allegations involving young people are handled.
Now Franchize Skateboards CEO John Cummings is taking aim at the same subject with a new collection carrying a message that is impossible to misunderstand.
“Dead Pedophiles Don’t Reoffend”
The phrase is printed across the latest Franchize release, turning the clothing into a direct statement about sexual abuse and the people accused of committing it.
Cummings has previously used Franchize to address controversial subjects like the “Murder Was The Case” boards, which also sold out.
Franchize Skateboards Posted:
"
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO PURCHASED THE GOLD BOARD. IT’S SOLD OUT
Grey/Red graphic available for pre-order. Shoot me a DM if interested. to get your hands on this one.
$65 NOT including S/H"
And looking at it, this latest release continues that approach.
The collection does not try to hide what it is talking about. The wording is straightforward, confrontational, and sends a message that pedos should not get away with it.
Given the subject, the release is likely to generate a callout.
Some people will see it as a way to stand against sexual abuse and show support for victims, while others may object to the language or the message attached to the clothing.
There is also the question of how people connected to the skate industry will respond.
A release like this can attract attention beyond the people who actually buy the products, especially when it deals with accusations involving minors and figures within skateboarding.
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For Cummings, however, the message appears to come straight from the heart, which is that pedophiles cannot reoffend once they are dead.
Brink may have stepped away from skate journalism, but conversations surrounding his reporting and the issues he raised have not simply disappeared.
Cummings’ new collection is another example of someone within skateboarding choosing to address the subject publicly, this time through a skateboard company and its clothing.
And judging by the name of the collection, Cummings does not intend to make the message subtle fasho!
You can purchase the “Dead Pedophiles Don’t Reoffend” collection here.
Cummings Posted:
"Available now on @franchizeboardco site. Link in bio."