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A Helmet for the Ages

z01.JPG

Back around 2002, I wrote a column about collectibles for a magazine too embarrassing to mention. The column was eventually discontinued because the editor felt I wasn’t coming up with enough “found in the attic” stories — i.e., stories about amazingly valuable collectibles that had been gathering dust in someone’s attic until they were discovered and then sold for many thousands of dollars. I tried to explain to the editor that stories like those don’t grow on trees, but somehow he was unmoved, and that was the end of the column.

Too bad I didn’t know about this game-worn Jim Brown Syracuse helmet back then. Here’s the deal: The helmet was originally given to the father of a young Syracuse family by a close friend of former Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder shortly after the 1956 season. It was a gift to an expectant father, who put it away for what he was sure would be his new son. When his wife gave birth to a girl instead, the helmet stayed tucked away in the family attic, where it remained until the daughter, now grown and caring for her elderly father, discovered it more than four decades later.

The helmet was eventually acquired in 2001 by Curtis Worrell and Jim Parker of Helmet Hut. It was the crown jewel in their helmet collection, but with Parker’s recent death, Worrell has decided to sell the helmet and give the proceeds to Parker’s widow. It’s currently up for auction at Game Used Universe (which, as you may have noticed, is a new Uni Watch sponsor, although that’s not why I’m writing this piece — the helmet is a great story, and the Helmet Hut folks are great people).

The auction runs through this Thursday, just in case you have an extra 30 grand burning a hole in your pocket. And even if you don’t end up bidding, you can check out these great Jim Brown pics here.

New ESPN column today — my annual college hoops season preview, and it’s a doozy, with coverage of over 50 teams. Major thanks to all of you who provided info. Here’s the link.

Raffle Reminder: Today’s the last day for the poster raffle. Details here.

What’s it worth to ya?: Remember last Wednesday’s discussion of the value of design? Scott Misner, whose comment a few days earlier prompted that discussion (but who did not participate in the Wednesday dialogue — he was busy with work-related stuff) has checked in with a lengthy essay in which he expands on his original comment and responds to some of the points made in Wednesday’s comments. Check it out here.

Mooooo!: Yesterday’s Brooklyn Beefsteak was a smashing, gut-busting success. Thanks to all the Uni Watch readers who said hello! I’ll post my photos tomorrow, so send me yours if you want them to be included.

Your productive day is now over: Dave Holz sent me a link to some absolutely stunning 1930s color photography from the Library of Congress. It’s not uni-related, but it’s flat-out the most compelling imagery I’ve seen in ages. Be warned — once you click on this link, you won’t get anything else accomplished all day. Enjoy.

Uni Watch News Ticker: In case you were under a rock for the past 72 hours, we now know what a bunch of the Nike rivalry revelry riflery designs look like, including the full Ohio State uni, the Virginia Tech jersey, the TCU uni, most of the gloves, and probably a lot more stuff that I’ve missed. Oh, and each riflery school gets its own stupid-ass comic book slogan, and Nike helped prime the pump for today’s Virginia Tech uni unveiling by parking this unassuming little buggy on campus. Nicely done. ”¦ Now that’s a uniform, as worn by Jon Solomonson, circa 1973. The other kids’ helmets had only one stripe, but they had to find a smaller lid to fit Jon’s noggin, and it had three stripes. He says he later removed the extraneous striping so he could match his teammates. ”¦ Now that the Yanks have won their 27th title, Joe Girardi plans to change his uni number. ”¦ Best Twitter feed ever (thanks, Kirsten). ”¦ 11/11 isn’t just Veterans Day — it’s also “the date that most closely resembles corduroy,” at least according to these folks, who’ll be holding their annual Grand Meeting on Wednesday right down the avenue from my house. ”¦ Nice story about a Sidney Crosby jersey here (with thanks to Nate Budziszewski) ”¦. Jay Danbom lives in Dickinson, North Dakota, where those college softball players recently drowned. He responded to the tragedy by designing a memorial ribbon (“Ashely Neufeld’s initials are in red because she was from Canada,” he explains), which was worn by his rec hockey team. ”¦ Bit of a poppy controversy in Old Blighty (with thanks to Mark Coale). ”¦ Okay, so this is pretty damn cool. Details here (with thanks to Braden Lerwill). ”¦ Check out the major helmet-stripe damage on Alphonso Carreker’s helmet, circa 1988. ”¦ Many college football refs wore blue sleeves on Saturday, for prostate cancer awareness. ”¦ There’s gotta be an easier way to represent your team on your goalie pads than this (with thanks to Laura Pond). ”¦ Bruce Menard was looking through an auction site and turned up a really nice 1911 Cubs jersey and an even nicer 1920s Cubs jacket. ”¦ This is a gown made of Arizona Cardinals jerseys. Lots of additional details here (with thanks to Chad Todd). ”¦ Interesting discussion on the Chris Creamer board: Someone pointed out that the far-right Lightning player in this photo isn’t wearing the the NHL collar logo. That prompted someone else to post that Robyn Regehr has never had the NHL logo on his collar since the league went to the Edge template. ”¦ The Japanese women’s volleyball team will be wearing new uniforms — including a very odd upside-down pouch design — at the Grand Champions Cup next week (with thanks to Jeremy Brahm). ”¦ Super-cool collection of bicycle chain guards here (great find, Kirsten). ”¦ More excellent info on the nature of flannel fabrics here (with thanks to Dave Grob). ”¦ Double sock stripes! Additional creamsicle pics here. ”¦ New soccer kit for Argentina (with thanks to Tomas Abrate). ”¦ Torn helmet decal yesterday for DeAngelo Williams (screen shot courtesy of Corey Davis). ”¦ “Jesuit High School of Portland, Oregon, has a successful cross country team that has the athletes put a cross on their face,” reports Jeremy Brahm. … Sorry there’s so little NFL info in today’s entry. I was off the grid all day yesterday due to the beefsteak. Priorities, priorities…..

 
  
 
Comments (261)

    Oh brother, Nike DID NOT unveil a Hummer with the tagline “Prepare for Combat” on the campus of Virginia Tech?! During wartime, no less.

    In the name of corporate decency … please tell me they did not.

    Doesn’t ‘cochon de lait’ mean ‘milk pig?’ I hope that has some special significance to LSU, because that doesn’t sound very inspiring to me.

    Wow, the “Prepare for Combat” armored vehicle seems more than a little insensitive on the VT campus. Prepare for media fallout in 3… 2…

    A quote from Scott Misner’s essay:

    Many of the readers who commented on last Wednesday’s post mentioned that this is a school system and that it doesn’t have a budget for design. But why can’t a school system afford to pay for one of its most public-facing “brand” carriers – the baseball/football/basketball uniforms that thousands see over the course of the year? Are you kidding me?!

    A public high school shouldn’t need to spend any money at all on “brand”. Most people don’t even have a choice over which school they go to. You live within area X, you go to School X. Any extra money a school has should definitely be going towards educational materials and building maintenance before they ever should need to worry about paying for a logo. If anyone should be entitled to free logos for their completely voluntary sports teams, it’s public schools.

    If you’re a for-profit company, yes, you should pay for your image. If you’re a public school, not so much.

    Yeesh, the football as combat thing has gone way too far. I sincerely hope the campus ROTC uses that thing for explosives practice.

    nike’s hummer would be douchebaggery at it’s finest under any circumstances…

    their insensitivity in light of events in blacksburg a scant few years ago speaks volumes

    absolutely appalling

    in case anyone missed it this video…
    link
    all the more reason to have one team in white and the other in non-white.

    [quote comment=”359215″]in case anyone missed it this video…
    link
    all the more reason to have one team in white and the other in non-white.[/quote]

    Player makes an extremely stupid decision, apparently forgetting that he’s on the receiving team after a punt. The color of the jerseys has exactly nothing to do with it.

    Don’t know if Nike’s combat truck (not a Hummer) a douchebag thing. Are we all not aware that VT has a Corps of Cadets (link)that they’re very proud of?

    If the Nike campaign was comprised of some sort of psycho running around while medical staff turned the other way, that would fall into the insensitive and douchebaggery category.

    [quote comment=”359219″]Don’t know if Nike’s combat truck (not a Hummer) a douchebag thing. Are we all not aware that VT has a Corps of Cadets (link)that they’re very proud of?

    If the Nike campaign was comprised of some sort of psycho running around while medical staff turned the other way, that would fall into the insensitive and douchebaggery category.[/quote]

    It’s douchebaggery because comparing football to combat is a bad joke at best, offensive (on any campus) at worst. Football isn’t war, it isn’t combat, it isn’t a comic book — it’s a GAME, okay? A fucking game. Get a grip.

    Not directly uni related but some might find this useful (as the topic has come up here a few times!):

    link

    sorry for misidentifying nike’s combat truck as a hummer

    football is not war
    football is not combat
    football is still just a game…

    we’re talkin’ about a game…not a war, not a war…a game

    It is interersting that the Nike logo on the Ohio State jersey is folded over into a shape that resembles the 1970’s Bata By Wilson logo.

    That’s fine to take the point of Football is not equal to war, but Phil you drew a line to something completely different.

    Random shootings also do not equal war.

    It seemed to me that yesterday’s Bucanneers Creamsicle throwbacks were the wrong shade… on my set, they looked more of a faded peach than orange. Anyone else note that?

    Upon Further Review:
    Yesterday, I posted a comment relative to Tulsa’s color pallet. While possibly somewhat interesting to some, it was incorrect. The school’s colors are officially old gold, royal blue and crimson: the crimson is not derivative of the hurricane warning flag as I suggested. This site, if nothing else, values metaphysical certainty when it comes to this sort of thing: hence the correction and my apology.
    Mea Maxima Culpa

    [quote comment=”359222″]sorry for misidentifying link as a hummer

    football is not war
    football is not combat
    football is still just a game…

    we’re talkin’ about a game…not a war, not a war…a game[/quote]

    combat
    n [ˈkɒmbæt -bət ˈkʌm-]
    1. a fight, conflict, or struggle

    Is it really that much of a stretch to see football as a struggle between two teams?

    Can we still refer to boxers in the ring as “combatants” or is that not war and insensitive to the military as well?

    [quote comment=”359225″]It seemed to me that yesterday’s Bucanneers Creamsicle throwbacks were the wrong shade… on my set, they looked more of a faded peach than orange. Anyone else note that?[/quote]

    There were many small details that seemed off to me…Just check that 1988 pic in the ticker.

    BTW, last night I posted a link to some of the other Nike gloves, including Mizzou’s.

    I also looked up Ut Prosim, which is on the VaTech gear…it is latin for: That I may Serve.

    link

    [quote comment=”359224″]That’s fine to take the point of Football is not equal to war, but Phil you drew a line to something completely different.

    Random shootings also do not equal war.[/quote]

    perhaps i didn’t fully extrapolate, and for that, i apologize

    my point tho, is nike (and others, look at all the games available for PS3 and such) are completely blurring the line between fantasy and reality…nike is simply taking this new “superhero technology” to a scary and ultimately indefensible position by equating those who don their new gear as warriors and superhumans involved in a life-or-death struggle

    i only pointed out the events of 4-16-07 to underscore that maybe nike wants to tone down this ad campaign a tad

    football is NOT war — having an army assault vehicle (or even a facsimile of one) on campus (and yes, i know about VT’s military roots) is, to my mind, sending the WRONG message…you wanna put up a giant inflatable dummy wearing the new duds on campus? fine…a bit over the top, but OK

    but this whole ‘warrior’ campaign is just getting completely out of hand

    [quote comment=”359227″][quote comment=”359222″]sorry for misidentifying link as a hummer

    football is not war
    football is not combat
    football is still just a game…

    we’re talkin’ about a game…not a war, not a war…a game[/quote]

    combat
    n [ˈkɒmbæt -bət ˈkʌm-]
    1. a fight, conflict, or struggle

    Is it really that much of a stretch to see football as a struggle between two teams?

    Can we still refer to boxers in the ring as “combatants” or is that not war and insensitive to the military as well?[/quote]
    skip to the 4-minute mark if you don’t want to watch the whole video: link

    Re: Value of design is $0

    Guess what? We live in a free country. If someone chooses to give away their time for free, that is their decision. There’s no law stating a company/school/organization can’t accept free labor, as long as it’s understood ahead of time. Hell, I wish all these uber-rich CEO’s of failing companies would work for free while driving their businesses into the grave (but that’s another story).

    As for free logos, the school probably won’t get anything as nice as a professional designer could provide (or will they?!), but that is their choice. The “school’s brand”? Really? As a taxpayer I certainly don’t want my local school creating a budget for their “brand”.

    I saw three images on the Library of Congress link then stopped because, yeah, I have to go to work. But….oh my god. Utterly captivating.

    Can’t wait to get back at it.

    … New soccer kit for Argentina (with thanks to Tomas Abrate). …

    ****

    Glad they didn’t monkey much with one of the world’s finest uniforms. Sky-blue-and-white vertical stripes: simple, attractive, immediately recognizable. I do like the modest innovation of the national coat-of-arms on the rear color. Images of the sun with a human face are always welcome in these precincts.

    [quote comment=”359221″]Not directly uni related but some might find this useful (as the topic has come up here a few times!):

    link

    the crux of the biscuit

    Small details of the Buc throwback uni aside, I was very happy to see that they had the old Tampa Bay painted in the end zones and that the field was surrounded by the old banners. The Pats could use this level of detail for their throwback games.

    link

    First off, I always get a kick out of teams breaking in new helmets the week of a throwback game. The gallery above is the Bucs practice from Wednesday wearing red practice gear and Bucco Bruce helmets.

    Secondly, if look at picture #8 in the gallery, it shows the new Bucs kicker Connor Barth and it almost looks like his kicking shoe is Redskins colors. He played for the Dolphins earlier this year and the Chiefs last year.

    [quote comment=”359225″]It seemed to me that yesterday’s Bucanneers Creamsicle throwbacks were the wrong shade… on my set, they looked more of a faded peach than orange. Anyone else note that?[/quote]

    Yes!! So disappointing!

    [quote comment=”359221″]Not directly uni related but some might find this useful (as the topic has come up here a few times!):

    link

    And for those who need to refer to this guide there is another important bit of information found within: “plural means more than one”.

    Spot-on commentary by Scott. The pizza analogy is perfect. As a designer, neither I nor my colleagues suffer from elitism. That doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve a fair-market rate for what we do for a living. I am 30, and though I’ve only worked in the computer age, I see every day the devaluation of design. Though, it is often through time. People expect everything almost instantly now because of computers. The thought-process and expertise is not valued or appreciated like it may have once been. Now it is all about the fastest design for the cheapest price. Healthy competition is great, but there must be a floor for the value of our work.

    Great essay Scott.
    Those who get it “get it” — those who don’t, well… their loss and ours.

    Wow. As a guy who spent some time in Blacksburg, I must say my heart dropped when I saw the Nike Combat Truck. Images of SWAT team personnel storming on to campus in April a couple years back immediately come to mind. Nike amazingly found a way to not only offend our armed forces, who are actually in combat…. but they also had the ability to refresh the the worst event in Virginia Tech history.

    It’s a shame, because Blacksburg/VT is an amazing place. The sense of community is as thick as any college town anywhere. But these images, and now Nike’s insanity… keep bringing us back into a conversation that Hokies do not want to have anymore. Mourn…never forget…and move on stronger.

    What also needs to be mentioned is that there will be some who respond positively to the Nike ad. The southern boy with a chip on his shoulder (who may have lost a friend in the shooting), and a fifth of Jack in his stomach…. may see this (obviously wrongly) as a “call to arms” so to speak…. Haven’t we had enough of this shit already!?!

    GO HOKIES. BE SAFE. FUCK NIKE.

    [quote comment=”359228″]I also looked up Ut Prosim, which is on the VaTech gear…it is latin for: That I may Serve.

    link
    I actually REALLY like having ‘Ut Prosim’ on the jerseys. Much better than ‘Beamerball’, which is the standard Nike shit for VT. Not only that, but its the link.

    [quote comment=”359227″][quote comment=”359222″]sorry for misidentifying link as a hummer

    football is not war
    football is not combat
    football is still just a game…

    we’re talkin’ about a game…not a war, not a war…a game[/quote]

    combat
    n [ˈkɒmbæt -bət ˈkʌm-]
    1. a fight, conflict, or struggle

    Is it really that much of a stretch to see football as a struggle between two teams?

    Can we still refer to boxers in the ring as “combatants” or is that not war and insensitive to the military as well?[/quote]

    Boxing IS a fight, by definition. Football, by definition, is a game.

    It’s one thing to pick up terminology for strategy and tactics (“blitz”, “bomb”) because people understand what they mean, and football is, being quite honest, a game about advancing into the other team’s territory.

    But it’s another for players and coaches to talk as if they believe it’s actually war. That’s when the line gets crossed to A) sounding like you have a reality problem or B) thinking a little eye gouge or punch to the face of someone on the ground is a valid act. After all, “All’s fair in love and war,” right?

    Rod McKuen once wrote, “No one ever dies in the Technicolor wars fought in North Carolina Legion halls.”

    No one dies in HD broadcast football games, either. No one loses limbs or loved ones. As in almost anything in life, excess looks stupid (“Appalachian State shocked the world!” Oh, right). There’s a line that ought not be crossed, and sometimes people need to realize that to locate it, they should look behind them.

    For those who haven’t been there, combat is stressful almost beyond belief, frightening, loud, bloody and lives can end like that (snaps fingers). It is not to be taken lightly and trivialized. Yeah, you can run a “blitz”, but when the guy who runs it thinks he’s a “warrior” because he did…he needs to enjoy the feeling of making a nicknamed play work, not elevate himself to the status of someone who just laid his life on line for the sake of others.

    And, if most of us haven’t noticed, much of the football/war terminology in George Carlin’s “baseball-football” classic is no longer widely used. “Blitz” survives, as well as a few others, but most have fallen by the wayside. When was the last time you heard a QB called a “field general”? That’s because those who cover the game have realized it’s dopey-sounding, because football isn’t war any more than Halo3 is. Unfortunately, those who play the game—and some who promote it—haven’t come to same realization.

    Hey, anyone who was around the Vikings in ’84 listening to martinet Les Steckel for a full season realized the stupidity of such blather real fast.

    What IS like war, sadly, is that those actually in the middle of it are seen as expendable but those calling the shots. Jahvid Best getting his “second concussion in eight days”, for example.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359231″][quote comment=”359227″][quote comment=”359222″]sorry for misidentifying link as a hummer

    football is not war
    football is not combat
    football is still just a game…

    we’re talkin’ about a game…not a war, not a war…a game[/quote]

    combat
    n [ˈkɒmbæt -bət ˈkʌm-]
    1. a fight, conflict, or struggle

    Is it really that much of a stretch to see football as a struggle between two teams?

    Can we still refer to boxers in the ring as “combatants” or is that not war and insensitive to the military as well?[/quote]
    skip to the 4-minute mark if you don’t want to watch the whole video: link
    You wanna know whats REALLY bad about that picture… The Nike Combat SWAT Team vehicle is parked about 20 feet away from the link, and if the camera had been angled any further to the right, you would be able to see link. (note its location in link to the right of Burruss Hall.

    According to the in game blog on jsonline, Nick Barnett forgot his jersey in Green Bay and had to buy one in Tampa.

    link

    [quote comment=”359250″]sorry for misidentifying link as a hummer

    football is not war
    football is not combat
    football is still just a game…

    we’re talkin’ about a game…not a war, not a war…a game[/quote]
    You wanna know whats REALLY bad about that picture… The Nike Combat SWAT Team vehicle is parked about 20 feet away from the link, and if the camera had been angled any further to the right, you would be able to see link. (note its location in link to the right of Burruss Hall.[/quote]
    And my apologies… that was supposed to be quoting the post with the picture of the makeshift Nike ‘store’… Tried to fix with this post… Sorry!

    [quote comment=”359247″]That Big Ben feed is utterly brilliant.[/quote]
    Indeed. If they could work in the Westminster Quarters every 15 minutes, it’d be even more brillianter.

    How could no one have commented on Zenyatta’s striped socks?

    link

    I expected this to be the cover story on Sunday.

    So disappointed.

    [quote comment=”359249″]
    Boxing IS a fight, by definition. Football, by definition, is a game.

    It’s one thing to pick up terminology for strategy and tactics (“blitz”, “bomb”) because people understand what they mean, and football is, being quite honest, a game about advancing into the other team’s territory.

    But it’s another for players and coaches to talk as if they believe it’s actually war. That’s when the line gets crossed to A) sounding like you have a reality problem or B) thinking a little eye gouge or punch to the face of someone on the ground is a valid act. After all, “All’s fair in love and war,” right?

    Rod McKuen once wrote, “No one ever dies in the Technicolor wars fought in North Carolina Legion halls.”

    No one dies in HD broadcast football games, either. No one loses limbs or loved ones. As in almost anything in life, excess looks stupid (“Appalachian State shocked the world!” Oh, right). There’s a line that ought not be crossed, and sometimes people need to realize that to locate it, they should look behind them.

    For those who haven’t been there, combat is stressful almost beyond belief, frightening, loud, bloody and lives can end like that (snaps fingers). It is not to be taken lightly and trivialized. Yeah, you can run a “blitz”, but when the guy who runs it thinks he’s a “warrior” because he did…he needs to enjoy the feeling of making a nicknamed play work, not elevate himself to the status of someone who just laid his life on line for the sake of others.

    And, if most of us haven’t noticed, much of the football/war terminology in George Carlin’s “baseball-football” classic is no longer widely used. “Blitz” survives, as well as a few others, but most have fallen by the wayside. When was the last time you heard a QB called a “field general”? That’s because those who cover the game have realized it’s dopey-sounding, because football isn’t war any more than Halo3 is. Unfortunately, those who play the game—and some who promote it—haven’t come to same realization.

    Hey, anyone who was around the Vikings in ’84 listening to martinet Les Steckel for a full season realized the stupidity of such blather real fast.

    What IS like war, sadly, is that those actually in the middle of it are seen as expendable but those calling the shots. Jahvid Best getting his “second concussion in eight days”, for example.

    —Ricko[/quote]
    I’m assuming it would be a bad idea to point out to you that Nike is making VaTech ‘Prepare for Combat’ for a game in which Maryland is wearing their camo uniforms that UnderArmour created with the Wounded Warrior Project to honor those wounded in war…

    [quote comment=”359251″]Am I the only weirdo who looked at those Jesuit cross-country runners and thought of link?[/quote]
    Kind of.
    I definitely think the crosses look upside down.
    Jerry Fuchs… bummed

    [quote comment=”359248″][quote comment=”359228″]I also looked up Ut Prosim, which is on the VaTech gear…it is latin for: That I may Serve.

    link
    I actually REALLY like having ‘Ut Prosim’ on the jerseys. Much better than ‘Beamerball’, which is the standard Nike shit for VT. Not only that, but its the link.[/quote]

    I don’t mine “Beamerball” or “Ut Prosim” on any of the general Tech merchandise… but on the uni it’s a bit much. Sideline sweatshirts, t’s, hats… it’s all good. I actually have a couple very funny Beamer-centric t’s (he’s the MAN on campus)… but don’t put it on the gameday kit.

    It’s just like the Nike Army Black Knights uniform they put out for the Army-Navy game last year, with the “Duty. Honor.Country.” on the back. We have that saying all over the place here at the Point, but I think it looks foolish on the jersey.

    [quote comment=”359252″]According to the in game blog on jsonline, Nick Barnett forgot his jersey in Green Bay and had to buy one in Tampa.

    link
    Really? I’ll have to check it out. Because in that picture it looks like he’s wearing BRK’s new skin suit, not something off the rack.

    [quote comment=”359258″][quote comment=”359249″]
    Boxing IS a fight, by definition. Football, by definition, is a game.

    It’s one thing to pick up terminology for strategy and tactics (“blitz”, “bomb”) because people understand what they mean, and football is, being quite honest, a game about advancing into the other team’s territory.

    But it’s another for players and coaches to talk as if they believe it’s actually war. That’s when the line gets crossed to A) sounding like you have a reality problem or B) thinking a little eye gouge or punch to the face of someone on the ground is a valid act. After all, “All’s fair in love and war,” right?

    Rod McKuen once wrote, “No one ever dies in the Technicolor wars fought in North Carolina Legion halls.”

    No one dies in HD broadcast football games, either. No one loses limbs or loved ones. As in almost anything in life, excess looks stupid (“Appalachian State shocked the world!” Oh, right). There’s a line that ought not be crossed, and sometimes people need to realize that to locate it, they should look behind them.

    For those who haven’t been there, combat is stressful almost beyond belief, frightening, loud, bloody and lives can end like that (snaps fingers). It is not to be taken lightly and trivialized. Yeah, you can run a “blitz”, but when the guy who runs it thinks he’s a “warrior” because he did…he needs to enjoy the feeling of making a nicknamed play work, not elevate himself to the status of someone who just laid his life on line for the sake of others.

    And, if most of us haven’t noticed, much of the football/war terminology in George Carlin’s “baseball-football” classic is no longer widely used. “Blitz” survives, as well as a few others, but most have fallen by the wayside. When was the last time you heard a QB called a “field general”? That’s because those who cover the game have realized it’s dopey-sounding, because football isn’t war any more than Halo3 is. Unfortunately, those who play the game—and some who promote it—haven’t come to same realization.

    Hey, anyone who was around the Vikings in ’84 listening to martinet Les Steckel for a full season realized the stupidity of such blather real fast.

    What IS like war, sadly, is that those actually in the middle of it are seen as expendable but those calling the shots. Jahvid Best getting his “second concussion in eight days”, for example.

    —Ricko[/quote]
    I’m assuming it would be a bad idea to point out to you that Nike is making VaTech ‘Prepare for Combat’ for a game in which Maryland is wearing their camo uniforms that UnderArmour created with the Wounded Warrior Project to honor those wounded in war…[/quote]

    Well, always good to make a show of your good deeds, your caring. Cuz, y’know why do it if no one notices?

    When I was in college, a bunch of us involved in a certain project threw a party, inviting everyone to bring their significant other. We all finally got to meet the wife of a black guy named Bill, and it turned out she was white. One of my professors and I were talking and he whispered to em, “A lot of people here are disappointed. They wanted to meet Bill’s wife thinking, ‘Oh, good, another black person I can be liberal with.’ ”

    Why do I think of that whenever I see all this “look how patriotic we are” stuff?

    —Ricko

    Attended the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday night. Endorse Ricko’s essay above. I doubt many of today’s college or pro players would willingly pack a sea bag and deploy for the real wars if asked to do so. Most of our able-bodied men in their 20s are not serving in the armed forces. Maybe they are playing video games at home or watching football instead. The Nike campaign is in poor taste.

    For some reason, I just love those uniforms….only as a one time things though.

    I wish Virginia Tech would scrap the silly uni it has now for the old school shoulder striped versions they wear every now and then

    [quote comment=”359264″] Maybe they are playing video games at home or watching football instead.[/quote]

    further blurring the line between fantasy and reality

    well said, g-man…well said

    Good news for Buckeye fans…Nike has developed a Combat version of Coach Tressel’s sweater vest. The new vest features mesh panels to keep Tress cool in pressure situations, new stretch panels to allow him to look around for the punter without bunching up, and it is reportedly 26% lighter than the orginal vest. Acording to Nike studies, in the new vest, Tress should be able to call a Boom Herron run up the middle two seconds faster than in a regular vest.

    [quote comment=”359260″][quote comment=”359248″][quote comment=”359228″]I also looked up Ut Prosim, which is on the VaTech gear…it is latin for: That I may Serve.

    link
    I actually REALLY like having ‘Ut Prosim’ on the jerseys. Much better than ‘Beamerball’, which is the standard Nike shit for VT. Not only that, but its the link.[/quote]

    I don’t mine “Beamerball” or “Ut Prosim” on any of the general Tech merchandise… but on the uni it’s a bit much. Sideline sweatshirts, t’s, hats… it’s all good. I actually have a couple very funny Beamer-centric t’s (he’s the MAN on campus)… but don’t put it on the gameday kit.

    It’s just like the Nike Army Black Knights uniform they put out for the Army-Navy game last year, with the “Duty. Honor.Country.” on the back. We have that saying all over the place here at the Point, but I think it looks foolish on the jersey.[/quote]

    I, on the other hand love the idea, both with Army and VaTech.

    I have never been to Blacksburg but can imagine the school spirit that the university invokes.

    As for West Point, simply seeing it from Route 9W
    is absolutely breathtaking.

    Actually walking the campus was and is one of the most inspirational, awe-inspiring things I have ever done. I could sit and read the inscribed speech on MacArthur’s monument all day.

    I think that these sayings akin to a school’s alma mater are more appropriate and school-specific than anything that my friends in Beaverton could muster.

    [quote comment=”359263″][quote comment=”359258″]
    I’m assuming it would be a bad idea to point out to you that Nike is making VaTech ‘Prepare for Combat’ for a game in which Maryland is wearing their camo uniforms that UnderArmour created with the Wounded Warrior Project to honor those wounded in war…[/quote]

    Well, always good to make a show of your good deeds, your caring. Cuz, y’know why do it if no one notices?

    When I was in college, a bunch of us involved in a certain project threw a party, inviting everyone to bring their significant other. We all finally got to meet the wife of a black guy named Bill, and it turned out she was white. One of my professors and I were talking and he whispered to em, “A lot of people here are disappointed. They wanted to meet Bill’s wife thinking, ‘Oh, good, another black person I can be liberal with.’ ”

    Why do I think of that whenever I see all this “look how patriotic we are” stuff?

    —Ricko[/quote]
    I’m not sure you quite got where I was going with that.

    While UnderArmour is doing a good thing where they are creating these jerseys as a shout-out to the military and everything and sending proceeds to help Wounded Warriors, Nike is coming out and blatantly mocking the whole thing with their ‘Prepare for Combat’… Especially with what they are doing in Blacksburg.

    Oh, and I have heard that all the schools participating in this will be wearing their ‘ProCombat’ uniforms in a game where they are playing a non-Nike school. Please tell me this is false.

    Interesting juxtposition of stories today – England wrestles with these silly “more patriotic than you are” memorials are as Nike takes them to what we can only hope is their most crass.

    [quote comment=”359267″]Good news for Buckeye fans…Nike has developed a Combat version of Coach Tressel’s sweater vest. The new vest features mesh panels to keep Tress cool in pressure situations, new stretch panels to allow him to look around for the punter without bunching up, and it is reportedly 26% lighter than the orginal vest. Acording to Nike studies, in the new vest, Tress should be able to call a Boom Herron run up the middle two seconds faster than in a regular vest.[/quote]

    Someone needs to Photoshop a Tressel vest with the Spirograph shoulders and other Nike-fied details. Any takers?

    [quote comment=”359269″].Oh, and I have heard that all the schools participating in this will be wearing their ‘ProCombat’ uniforms in a game where they are playing a non-Nike school. Please tell me this is false.[/quote]

    That is correct. And it makes sense, since all of these schools are essentially part of Team Nike. A taem can’t play itself, right? (Plus if you had both teams wearing Spirograph shoulders, you’d see lotsa guys tackling the wrong player….)

    [quote comment=”359267″]Good news for Buckeye fans…Nike has developed a Combat version of Coach Tressel’s sweater vest. The new vest features mesh panels to keep Tress cool in pressure situations, new stretch panels to allow him to look around for the punter without bunching up, and it is reportedly 26% lighter than the orginal vest. Acording to Nike studies, in the new vest, Tress should be able to call a Boom Herron run up the middle two seconds faster than in a regular vest.[/quote]

    Wow, and we thought Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Rider vest with all the extra pairs of glasses sewn into and on it was high tech.

    And, no, I wasn’t THERE…I meant in the history of highly specialized field gear for leaders of men.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359265″]For some reason, I just love those uniforms….only as a one time things though.

    I wish Virginia Tech would scrap the silly uni it has now for the old school shoulder striped versions they wear every now and then[/quote]
    We are, starting next year. It was revealed on the call-in show about a month ago.

    quote comment=\”359244\”]Spot-on commentary by Scott. The pizza analogy is perfect. As a designer, neither I nor my colleagues suffer from elitism. That doesn\’t mean that we don\’t deserve a fair-market rate for what we do for a living. I am 30, and though I\’ve only worked in the computer age, I see every day the devaluation of design. Though, it is often through time. People expect everything almost instantly now because of computers. The thought-process and expertise is not valued or appreciated like it may have once been. Now it is all about the fastest design for the cheapest price. Healthy competition is great, but there must be a floor for the value of our work.[/quote]

    Fair market value is exactly what you get every time you are paid for a service or good. Supply and demand my man.

    [quote comment=”359225″]It seemed to me that yesterday’s Bucanneers Creamsicle throwbacks were the wrong shade… on my set, they looked more of a faded peach than orange. Anyone else note that?[/quote]
    Good eye. The Bucs have made quite a deal about how these are throwbacks to the original jerseys, which were lighter in color than later versions.

    Details link:

    [quote]The process (of creating a throwback uniform for the Bucs) took longer than the Glazers would have preferred, mostly because the Bucs ran into problems trying to match the exact color of the 1976 orange Bucs jerseys.

    “When the NFL sent us a box with the old orange jersey from the 1990s I realized this process wasn’t going to be as easy as we originally thought,” said Glazer.

    Ownership’s long search for an original 1976 orange Bucs jersey that was still in mint condition finally ended thanks to an advertisement the Glazers found on Craigslist, which was posted by the son of the original owner of Bay Sporting Goods, which supplied the Bucs with their jerseys and helmets in 1976.

    The 1976 Bucs only wore their orange jerseys one time, which was for a preseason game. The ’76 Bucs are forever known as the only team to go winless before the 2008 Detroit Lions.

    However, Glazer said ownership wanted to recognize Tampa Bay’s history from where it all began. [/quote]

    [quote comment=”359264″]Attended the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday night. Endorse Ricko’s essay above. I doubt many of today’s college or pro players would willingly pack a sea bag and deploy for the real wars if asked to do so. Most of our able-bodied men in their 20s are not serving in the armed forces. Maybe they are playing video games at home or watching football instead. The Nike campaign is in poor taste.[/quote]
    Semper Fi

    Most sports fans care more (spend more time thinking/obsessing/talking) about sports/entertainment than war/politics. We want (and expect) our troops/elected leaders to do their job so that we can be free to enjoy our entertainment. We come to work and talk about our fantasy team, a football game, or a baseball game. We rarely talk about the wars going on unless there is some major news.
    Nike is giving sports fans exactly what they want. Like Phil said, they’re “Completely blurring the line between fantasy and reality”. That’s what we want them to do. We want sports to be more “real” and real war to be something we don’t have to think/talk about.
    Nike is a simply giving their paying customers exactly what they want. Nike isn’t the problem. They’re a result of the problem.

    [quote comment=”359269″][quote comment=”359263″][quote comment=”359258″]
    I’m assuming it would be a bad idea to point out to you that Nike is making VaTech ‘Prepare for Combat’ for a game in which Maryland is wearing their camo uniforms that UnderArmour created with the Wounded Warrior Project to honor those wounded in war…[/quote]

    Well, always good to make a show of your good deeds, your caring. Cuz, y’know why do it if no one notices?

    When I was in college, a bunch of us involved in a certain project threw a party, inviting everyone to bring their significant other. We all finally got to meet the wife of a black guy named Bill, and it turned out she was white. One of my professors and I were talking and he whispered to em, “A lot of people here are disappointed. They wanted to meet Bill’s wife thinking, ‘Oh, good, another black person I can be liberal with.’ ”

    Why do I think of that whenever I see all this “look how patriotic we are” stuff?

    —Ricko[/quote]
    I’m not sure you quite got where I was going with that.

    While UnderArmour is doing a good thing where they are creating these jerseys as a shout-out to the military and everything and sending proceeds to help Wounded Warriors, Nike is coming out and blatantly mocking the whole thing with their ‘Prepare for Combat’… Especially with what they are doing in Blacksburg.

    Oh, and I have heard that all the schools participating in this will be wearing their ‘ProCombat’ uniforms in a game where they are playing a non-Nike school. Please tell me this is false.[/quote]

    Know what you meant. And what I sort of alluded to is that, sadly, something phony and commercial muddies the water for everyone…even those making valid, genuine efforts.

    It all starts to look like insincere “show”.

    With any luck, the difference actually WILL be evident.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359275″]Fair market value is exactly what you get every time you are paid for a service or good. Supply and demand my man.[/quote]

    You’re assuming a perfectly free market, which is a myth — it does not exist. So many things in the supply chain are subsidized or taxed, so it’s not a level playing field.

    I’m not coming down one way or the other on the “value of design” argument. I’m just pointing out that the “Everything is worth exactly what you pay for it” argument is based on a faulty premise.

    [quote comment=”359220″][quote comment=”359219″]Don’t know if Nike’s combat truck (not a Hummer) a douchebag thing. Are we all not aware that VT has a Corps of Cadets (link)that they’re very proud of?

    If the Nike campaign was comprised of some sort of psycho running around while medical staff turned the other way, that would fall into the insensitive and douchebaggery category.[/quote]

    It’s douchebaggery because comparing football to combat is a bad joke at best, offensive (on any campus) at worst. Football isn’t war, it isn’t combat, it isn’t a comic book — it’s a GAME, okay? A fucking game. Get a grip.[/quote]

    Did you read the end of that Paul, or did you blow a fuse? I mean, it’s lame on the basis of Nike rolling on in with a, “Look at me! Look at me,” attitude, but, at the end of the day, colleges need someone to provide them with uniforms and equipment. You need their help, and, as business works out, they’ll take a slide of hand and use campus to market a bit. That said, it’s not like this is the first time war or combat have been cliched into the game of football, so get a grip, or write a well thought out list of complaints to the NCAA which will care about as much as I do on the matter. Business is business, and marketing happens even though it can be horrible.

    [quote comment=”359264″]Attended the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday night. Endorse Ricko’s essay above. I doubt many of today’s college or pro players would willingly pack a sea bag and deploy for the real wars if asked to do so. Most of our able-bodied men in their 20s are not serving in the armed forces. Maybe they are playing video games at home or watching football instead. The Nike campaign is in poor taste.[/quote]

    This is a very unfair comment. You cannot say what these men would do if asked. The funniest thing about the video game comment is my friend who served in Iraq actually got his position flying unmanned planes because of his ability to use a controller just like a video game.

    Its only a matter of time before Kellen “I’m a Fuckin Soldier” Winslow becomes the national spokesman for Nike College Football.

    In fact, I’ll be stunned if he isn’t involved when they unveil Miami’s version.

    [quote comment=”359281″]Business is business, and marketing happens even though it can be horrible.[/quote]

    Ah, yes — the perfect rejoinder to any rational argument: “It’s just business.”

    Have a nice life.

    Are we sure the Bucs looking lighter on TV yesterday isn’t the result of different fabrics and/or digital video technology delivering a far, far brighter and more detailed image than we’ve ever seen of the creamsicles? What is often missed because HD is so incredibly detailed is that it also is a helluva lot brighter.

    I ask only because in virtually all the still photos I’ve seen today, the jerseys look considerably darker than they did live yesterday.

    Although I always did think that about the time the Bucs added orange pants they also darkened the orange just a bit.

    So could go either way. That’s why I pose the question.

    —Ricko

    Nike’s messaging is appalling. I am tired of all this testosterone flaunting and hate for my young sons to be in the throes of it.

    And kudos to Scott Misner’s essay. I work as a marketing consultant and face this lack of appreciation of design on a daily basis. This is you visual brand, folks! Don’t cheapen it.

    [quote comment=”359282″][quote comment=”359264″]Attended the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday night. Endorse Ricko’s essay above. I doubt many of today’s college or pro players would willingly pack a sea bag and deploy for the real wars if asked to do so. Most of our able-bodied men in their 20s are not serving in the armed forces. Maybe they are playing video games at home or watching football instead. The Nike campaign is in poor taste.[/quote]

    This is a very unfair comment. You cannot say what these men would do if asked. The funniest thing about the video game comment is my friend who served in Iraq actually got his position flying unmanned planes because of his ability to use a controller just like a video game.[/quote]

    Let it be noted that it’s also perfectly normal for people to want to live out some sort of warrior fantasy without actually putting their life in real danger. Video games, paintball, sports, whatever.

    We humans really need to quit killing each other over stupid shit. I respect those that voluntarily join the services, but it’d be really god damned nice if they didn’t have to.

    [quote comment=”359281″][quote comment=”359220″][quote comment=”359219″]Don’t know if Nike’s combat truck (not a Hummer) a douchebag thing. Are we all not aware that VT has a Corps of Cadets (link)that they’re very proud of?

    If the Nike campaign was comprised of some sort of psycho running around while medical staff turned the other way, that would fall into the insensitive and douchebaggery category.[/quote]

    It’s douchebaggery because comparing football to combat is a bad joke at best, offensive (on any campus) at worst. Football isn’t war, it isn’t combat, it isn’t a comic book — it’s a GAME, okay? A fucking game. Get a grip.[/quote]

    Did you read the end of that Paul, or did you blow a fuse? I mean, it’s lame on the basis of Nike rolling on in with a, “Look at me! Look at me,” attitude, but, at the end of the day, colleges need someone to provide them with uniforms and equipment. You need their help, and, as business works out, they’ll take a slide of hand and use campus to market a bit. That said, it’s not like this is the first time war or combat have been cliched into the game of football, so get a grip, or write a well thought out list of complaints to the NCAA which will care about as much as I do on the matter. Business is business, and marketing happens even though it can be horrible.[/quote]

    Said this yesterday. It bears repeating.
    There are a number of college AD’s and coaches who need to learn that one of the most powerful words in business is…”No.”

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359280″][quote comment=”359275″]Fair market value is exactly what you get every time you are paid for a service or good. Supply and demand my man.[/quote]

    You’re assuming a perfectly free market, which is a myth — it does not exist. So many things in the supply chain are subsidized or taxed, so it’s not a level playing field.

    I’m not coming down one way or the other on the “value of design” argument. I’m just pointing out that the “Everything is worth exactly what you pay for it” argument is based on a faulty premise.[/quote]

    I agree with your last statement, but in this specific case I think it works. To me it is like luxury items, the value is there for some people but others do not understand everything that goes into these items so these people do not see as much value in these items. I guess the term fair market value means something different to me

    “Video games, paintball, sports, whatever.”

    Yup, that’s true, no about it.

    But if someone said, and apparently really believed, that he was “a warrior out there today” after paintball wouldn’t you think he was swerving to avoid the reality sign?

    —Ricko

    Here is the official picture for Va Tech’s “Combat” uniform.

    link

    Notice the thigh pads? I think the whole idea of the jerseys is actually kinda cool if it were to be done once. It’s be a win – win for most schools, they get some extra marketing they usually wouldn’t get and Nike gets some more marking.

    [quote comment=”359285″]Are we sure the Bucs looking lighter on TV yesterday isn’t the result of different fabrics and/or digital video technology delivering a far, far brighter and more detailed image than we’ve ever seen of the creamsicles? What is often missed because HD is so incredibly detailed is that it also is a helluva lot brighter.

    I ask only because in virtually all the still photos I’ve seen today, the jerseys look considerably darker than they did live yesterday.

    Although I always did think that about the time the Bucs added orange pants they also darkened the orange just a bit.

    So could go either way. That’s why I pose the question.

    —Ricko[/quote]
    Didn’t think about what high-def does to those uniforms.

    But we also know that the Bucs intended to go with the lighter orange in an attempt to match the seldom-seen 1976 jerseys.

    [quote comment=”359291″]”Video games, paintball, sports, whatever.”

    Yup, that’s true, no about it.

    But if someone said, and apparently really believed, that he was “a warrior out there today” after paintball wouldn’t you think he was swerving to avoid the reality sign?

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Yeah – but I’d say it’s much better for that guy to stay in his fantasy world being a paintball warrior than for him to go off and start doing the real thing.

    There’s a big difference between being willing to fight for your country and defend our rights – and enjoying it. Those that enjoy it should not be allowed to do it.

    Have to ask it, they ridicule the Bucs while link.

    I will say this though, link the Bucs orange also appeared darker – and was also evidenced in the hue of a Doug Williams throwback jersey someone on the Tampa sidelines was wearing yesterday…

    [quote comment=”359288″]Re poppies: Didn’t the CFL announcers and refs wore poppies this weekend? (Go Riders!)[/quote]

    The coaches wore them, too. Go Ti-Cats! (although if anyone in the west except BC wins I’ll be fine with that).

    “Sorry there’s so little NFL info in today’s entry.”

    That’s okay, Paul; you got the important item. Loved those creamsicle Bucs!

    Sorry for the bad link, will try it again…

    Have to ask it, they ridicule the Bucs while link.

    I will say this though, link the Bucs orange also appeared darker – and was also evidenced in the hue of a Doug Williams throwback jersey someone on the Tampa sidelines was wearing yesterday…

    Calling a high school team name a “brand” is just about the same as calling a football game a war.

    So LSU and Texas are going to participate in this Nike shanagans? They have two of the most classic and simple uniform designs in college football, seeing them in tricked up unis will distort my image of college football. Seriously, if Penn State ever participates in something like this, I will no longer root for the Lions and will boycot Nike altogether.

    [quote comment=”359224″]That’s fine to take the point of Football is not equal to war, but Phil you drew a line to something completely different.

    Random shootings also do not equal war.[/quote]

    Random shootings are an act of terrorism, and aren’t we fighting a war on that??

    We’re fighting a war on drugs, too, which reminds me – anyone else think the Buckeye leaves look like something else?

    [quote comment=”359295″][quote comment=”359291″]”Video games, paintball, sports, whatever.”

    Yup, that’s true, no about it.

    But if someone said, and apparently really believed, that he was “a warrior out there today” after paintball wouldn’t you think he was swerving to avoid the reality sign?

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Yeah – but I’d say it’s much better for that guy to stay in his fantasy world being a paintball warrior than for him to go off and start doing the real thing.

    There’s a big difference between being willing to fight for your country and defend our rights – and enjoying it. Those that enjoy it should not be allowed to do it.[/quote]

    Wasn’t being contentious. Was just pointing out how dippy such a statement would sound if made in reference to paintball.

    You’d wanna forehead-smack the guy and say, “Hello? Mr. Potato Head? Wake up. It’s frickin’ PAINTBALL.”

    Wouldn’t you?

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359292″]Just in time to save this discussion from going down some potentially nasty roads, today’s ESPN column is up:
    link
    A little while back there was some chatter about Tom Crean mentioning at a Q&A session that Adidas came up with some jersey design for IU and he looked them over and gave his approval.

    Are these a no-go or was he maybe talking about practice jerseys or the like?

    [quote comment=”359302″][quote comment=”359224″]That’s fine to take the point of Football is not equal to war, but Phil you drew a line to something completely different.

    Random shootings also do not equal war.[/quote]

    Random shootings are an act of terrorism, and aren’t we fighting a war on that??

    We’re fighting a war on drugs, too, which reminds me – anyone else think the Buckeye leaves look like something else?[/quote]

    Dude, can’t talk right now. Craving Spam and bananas.

    What programs do you guys use to make the uni tweaks? I have a couple of very simple ones I would like to try. One is to take the color out of the “swoosh” thing on the Vikings pants and then match the purple pants to the road white, and the other is to make the Broncs road unis have a orange stripe down the side matched with the blue pants with the orange stripe.

    [quote comment=”359306″][quote comment=”359302″][quote comment=”359224″]That’s fine to take the point of Football is not equal to war, but Phil you drew a line to something completely different.

    Random shootings also do not equal war.[/quote]

    Random shootings are an act of terrorism, and aren’t we fighting a war on that??

    We’re fighting a war on drugs, too, which reminds me – anyone else think the Buckeye leaves look like something else?[/quote]

    Dude, can’t talk right now. Craving Spam and bananas.[/quote]

    Heh. Ricko’s pregnant. That’s good to know…

    /if he was high he’d be talking about doritos and twinkies…duh

    [quote comment=”359307″]What programs do you guys use to make the uni tweaks? I have a couple of very simple ones I would like to try. One is to take the color out of the “swoosh” thing on the Vikings pants and then match the purple pants to the road white, and the other is to make the Broncs road unis have a orange stripe down the side matched with the blue pants with the orange stripe.[/quote]

    To my knowledge Vikes have deep-sixed the purple pants. Were generally regarded to be uggggggggggg-ly, by players and fans alike.

    —Rickok

    [quote comment=”359307″]What programs do you guys use to make the uni tweaks? I have a couple of very simple ones I would like to try. One is to take the color out of the “swoosh” thing on the Vikings pants and then match the purple pants to the road white, and the other is to make the Broncs road unis have a orange stripe down the side matched with the blue pants with the orange stripe.[/quote]

    I personally use an old version of Paintshop Pro. As far as free software goes, your best bet would be GIMP – basically it’s an open source program with pretty much all of the same options as Photoshop. It does take a little bit of getting used to though.

    [quote comment=”359299″]Sorry for the bad link, will try it again…

    Have to ask it, they ridicule the Bucs while link.

    I will say this though, link the Bucs orange also appeared darker – and was also evidenced in the hue of a Doug Williams throwback jersey someone on the Tampa sidelines was wearing yesterday…[/quote]

    I think the Bucs were ridiculed a little for the colour but mostly for the “flamboyant” Bucco Bruce logo.

    Paul, the people in Reno are going to be upset with you. They HATE being called “Nevada-Reno”. It’s just Nevada.

    [quote comment=”359309″][quote comment=”359307″]What programs do you guys use to make the uni tweaks? I have a couple of very simple ones I would like to try. One is to take the color out of the “swoosh” thing on the Vikings pants and then match the purple pants to the road white, and the other is to make the Broncs road unis have a orange stripe down the side matched with the blue pants with the orange stripe.[/quote]

    To my knowledge Vikes have deep-sixed the purple pants. Were generally regarded to be uggggggggggg-ly, by players and fans alike.

    —Rickok[/quote]

    Really, mnost of the fans I know preferred the purple pants with the road unis (I’m a die-hard Vikes fan myself). I loved em except for 2 things. 1. the stupid swoosh/horn deal (also ugly on the white pants 2. Should have worn socks with white tops and purple in the middle.

    If it were up to me, they would go back to the very original 1961 set shown on the football past and present site.

    [quote comment=”359308″][quote comment=”359306″][quote comment=”359302″][quote comment=”359224″]That’s fine to take the point of Football is not equal to war, but Phil you drew a line to something completely different.

    Random shootings also do not equal war.[/quote]

    Random shootings are an act of terrorism, and aren’t we fighting a war on that??

    We’re fighting a war on drugs, too, which reminds me – anyone else think the Buckeye leaves look like something else?[/quote]

    Dude, can’t talk right now. Craving Spam and bananas.[/quote]

    Heh. Ricko’s pregnant. That’s good to know…

    /if he was high he’d be talking about doritos and twinkies…duh[/quote]

    Well, if I am, the kid’ll be born in a stable and laid in a manger.

    But I’m gonna sign a deal with Nike for logo’d swaddling clothes.
    Hey, I’m snip-snip immaculate, not STUPID.

    —Ricko

    “Saint Louis is another System of Dress convert, which means they’re tight on top and baggy on the bottom.”

    Won’t be long before this is the System of Dress for college hoops: link

    The SOD is a POS. Paul calls it clean – I call it bland, uninspiring, and with the “shorts,” downright goofy. At least put a little striping on the collars.

    [quote comment=”359313″][quote comment=”359309″][quote comment=”359307″]What programs do you guys use to make the uni tweaks? I have a couple of very simple ones I would like to try. One is to take the color out of the “swoosh” thing on the Vikings pants and then match the purple pants to the road white, and the other is to make the Broncs road unis have a orange stripe down the side matched with the blue pants with the orange stripe.[/quote]

    To my knowledge Vikes have deep-sixed the purple pants. Were generally regarded to be uggggggggggg-ly, by players and fans alike.

    —Rickok[/quote]

    Really, mnost of the fans I know preferred the purple pants with the road unis (I’m a die-hard Vikes fan myself). I loved em except for 2 things. 1. the stupid swoosh/horn deal (also ugly on the white pants 2. Should have worn socks with white tops and purple in the middle.

    If it were up to me, they would go back to the very original 1961 set shown on the football past and present site.[/quote]

    If they were so loved, why aren’t they still wearing them?
    (just jerkin’ your chain). But I agree about the high white socks. That’s why they worked in the ’60s. Plus this time around they tried ALL purple which, in the new design, REALLY sucked.

    You do know they didn’t wear purple pants in ’61, right?
    Were supposed to. The first uniforms announced showed purple pants with white white jerseys on the mockups, but for some reason they wore white pants home and road in ’61.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359314″][quote comment=”359308″][quote comment=”359306″][quote comment=”359302″][quote comment=”359224″]That’s fine to take the point of Football is not equal to war, but Phil you drew a line to something completely different.

    Random shootings also do not equal war.[/quote]

    Random shootings are an act of terrorism, and aren’t we fighting a war on that??

    We’re fighting a war on drugs, too, which reminds me – anyone else think the Buckeye leaves look like something else?[/quote]

    Dude, can’t talk right now. Craving Spam and bananas.[/quote]

    Heh. Ricko’s pregnant. That’s good to know…

    /if he was high he’d be talking about doritos and twinkies…duh[/quote]

    Well, if I am, the kid’ll be born in a stable and laid in a manger.

    But I’m gonna sign a deal with Nike for logo’d swaddling clothes.
    Hey, I’m snip-snip immaculate, not STUPID.

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Great..now I have an urge to go watch a certain episode of Stargate SG1

    link

    [quote comment=”359300″]Calling a high school team name a “brand” is just about the same as calling a football game a war.[/quote]

    I agree with the second part, but “branding” is critical in ANY aspect.

    From what I remember, branding is the application of marketing techniques to a specific product, product line, or brand…

    The Branding of High School sports is seriously undervalued. Many schools could take a less in recouping some revenue from proper branding whilst having students learn the aspects of business. Why shouldn’t a high school (public or private) brand themselves…from concept to design to profit…it’s all about making money in order for programs to continue.

    A note on the armored truck on the Drill Field at Tech, I could just imagine walking through the tunnel at Eggleston coming from my dorm on the way to class only to see that parked there. My first thought would be “not again.” This in addition to the other serious news recently surrounding my alma mater: a missing student, the shooting at Fort Hood, threats of violence found on campus this semester, two students murdered near campus…with the string of such activity surrounding the school, why would Nike think it was alright? The combat theme, while lame in my opinion, isn’t nearly as insensitive as the method of advertising to a sensitive community. Next time nike, stick to a race car and a speed campaign or something that won’t raise alarms quite so much.

    [quote comment=”359295″]There’s a big difference between being willing to fight for your country and defend our rights – and enjoying it. Those that enjoy it should not be allowed to do it.[/quote]

    wait…what?

    [quote comment=”359304″][quote comment=”359292″]Just in time to save this discussion from going down some potentially nasty roads, today’s ESPN column is up:
    link
    A little while back there was some chatter about Tom Crean mentioning at a Q&A session that Adidas came up with some jersey design for IU and he looked them over and gave his approval.

    Are these a no-go or was he maybe talking about practice jerseys or the like?[/quote]

    Not sure, but I did check with IU, and they specifically told me that there were no new uniforms this season.

    [quote comment=”359208″]Doesn’t ‘cochon de lait’ mean ‘milk pig?’ I hope that has some special significance to LSU, because that doesn’t sound very inspiring to me.[/quote]
    I didn’t see anyone respond to this. A Cochon de Lait is a pig roast down here in Louisiana. LSU plays Arkansas the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

    [quote comment=”359316″][quote comment=”359313″][quote comment=”359309″][quote comment=”359307″]What programs do you guys use to make the uni tweaks? I have a couple of very simple ones I would like to try. One is to take the color out of the “swoosh” thing on the Vikings pants and then match the purple pants to the road white, and the other is to make the Broncs road unis have a orange stripe down the side matched with the blue pants with the orange stripe.[/quote]

    To my knowledge Vikes have deep-sixed the purple pants. Were generally regarded to be uggggggggggg-ly, by players and fans alike.

    —Rickok[/quote]

    Really, mnost of the fans I know preferred the purple pants with the road unis (I’m a die-hard Vikes fan myself). I loved em except for 2 things. 1. the stupid swoosh/horn deal (also ugly on the white pants 2. Should have worn socks with white tops and purple in the middle.

    If it were up to me, they would go back to the very original 1961 set shown on the football past and present site.[/quote]

    If they were so loved, why aren’t they still wearing them?
    (just jerkin’ your chain). But I agree about the high white socks. That’s why they worked in the ’60s. Plus this time around they tried ALL purple which, in the new design, REALLY sucked.

    You do know they didn’t wear purple pants in ’61, right?
    Were supposed to. The first uniforms announced showed purple pants with white white jerseys on the mockups, but for some reason they wore white pants home and road in ’61.

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Minor correction on Vikings at FUPP.
    The white socks with the first purple pants in ’62 had three rather narrow equal width purple stripes. Wasn’t til ’63 that the white socks with NW-style purple stripes with a narrow athletic gold feathered edge came along.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359321″][quote comment=”359295″]There’s a big difference between being willing to fight for your country and defend our rights – and enjoying it. Those that enjoy it should not be allowed to do it.[/quote]

    wait…what?[/quote]

    Seriously?

    People that enjoy killing other people are not what I would call healthy individuals.

    War may be a necessary evil sometimes, but it shouldn’t be something anyone likes doing.

    “Villanova made the Final Four last season, so the Wildcats are now a “Nike Elite” school.”

    No! Leave my favorite college hoops program alone. Besides, they should wear these link to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ’85 championship.

    Hmmm…apparently link (at right) to NFL 1994 Throwbacks is to a site that no longer exists.

    Is that so?

    Did we crash it?

    I know it hadn’t been updated for a long, long time.
    (was gonna link to Vikings ’61 unis there)

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359316″][quote comment=”359313″][quote comment=”359309″][quote comment=”359307″]What programs do you guys use to make the uni tweaks? I have a couple of very simple ones I would like to try. One is to take the color out of the “swoosh” thing on the Vikings pants and then match the purple pants to the road white, and the other is to make the Broncs road unis have a orange stripe down the side matched with the blue pants with the orange stripe.[/quote]

    To my knowledge Vikes have deep-sixed the purple pants. Were generally regarded to be uggggggggggg-ly, by players and fans alike.

    —Rickok[/quote]

    Really, mnost of the fans I know preferred the purple pants with the road unis (I’m a die-hard Vikes fan myself). I loved em except for 2 things. 1. the stupid swoosh/horn deal (also ugly on the white pants 2. Should have worn socks with white tops and purple in the middle.

    If it were up to me, they would go back to the very original 1961 set shown on the football past and present site.[/quote]

    If they were so loved, why aren’t they still wearing them?
    (just jerkin’ your chain). But I agree about the high white socks. That’s why they worked in the ’60s. Plus this time around they tried ALL purple which, in the new design, REALLY sucked.

    You do know they didn’t wear purple pants in ’61, right?
    Were supposed to. The first uniforms announced showed purple pants with white white jerseys on the mockups, but for some reason they wore white pants home and road in ’61.

    —Ricko[/quote]

    They were dumped because the players/coaches/owners didn’t like them, I highly doubt they polled the fans!!

    I did not know that about the 1961 uniforms. I wasn’t born for 8 more years so my personal knowledge then is pretty limited!! And also why I stated as they look on that website.

    I hate, and have always hated, the Vikes all white unis. The UCLA stipes of the past looked like crap, the new jerseys are better but the pants are worse. I will agree the all purple Barney getup sucked as well. The throwbacks they wore the last few years, with their mirror images as white unis with purple pants, would be the unis if I owned the team!!

    [quote comment=”359328″]Hmmm…apparently link (at right) to NFL 1994 Throwbacks is to a site that no longer exists.

    Is that so?

    Did we crash it?

    I know it hadn’t been updated for a long, long time.
    (was gonna link to Vikings ’61 unis there)

    —Ricko[/quote]

    It was a geocities site. Geocities has been officially killed as of a couple weeks ago. Hopefully someone saved the pics.

    [quote comment=”359302″][quote comment=”359224″]That’s fine to take the point of Football is not equal to war, but Phil you drew a line to something completely different.

    Random shootings also do not equal war.[/quote]

    Random shootings are an act of terrorism, and aren’t we fighting a war on that??

    We’re fighting a war on drugs, too, which reminds me – anyone else think the Buckeye leaves look like something else?[/quote]
    But if you’ve seen the rumored unis Texas will be wearing, they’re really not that bad. I’m holding out hope that my Tigers will go the same route.

    [quote comment=”359326″][quote comment=”359321″][quote comment=”359295″]There’s a big difference between being willing to fight for your country and defend our rights – and enjoying it. Those that enjoy it should not be allowed to do it.[/quote]

    wait…what?[/quote]

    Seriously?

    People that enjoy killing other people are not what I would call healthy individuals.

    War may be a necessary evil sometimes, but it shouldn’t be something anyone likes doing.[/quote]

    perhaps if you had made that more clear

    i thought you were implying that those “willing to fight for your country and defend our rights” were wrong to “enjoy” defending our freedoms

    no, i don’t believe sociopaths and serial killers should be in the armed forces…and im pretty sure they have regulations against that

    i’d also be willing to bet that 99.9% of those who do seek to enlist aren’t doing so because they “enjoy killing other people,” a segment of the population you apparently feel comprises a (not-insignificant) portion of the armed forces

    “I highly doubt they polled the fans!!?”

    Polled, no. Got feedback from, definitely.
    There’s this Interweb thing nowadays.
    Just before first season of new unis, the guy who owns the company that created and still manages the Viking website bought the house next door. We talked about a lot of stuff…including the new unis, and emails decidedly were not in favor of the purple pants.

    (I don’t make this shit up. Usually have SOME kind of source. LOL)

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359331″][quote comment=”359328″]Hmmm…apparently link (at right) to NFL 1994 Throwbacks is to a site that no longer exists.

    Is that so?

    Did we crash it?

    I know it hadn’t been updated for a long, long time.
    (was gonna link to Vikings ’61 unis there)

    —Ricko[/quote]

    It was a geocities site. Geocities has been officially killed as of a couple weeks ago. Hopefully someone saved the pics.[/quote]

    Ah, forgot about that.
    Well, I didn’t save ’em.
    Damn.

    Crap…. I play hookie one day, ONE DAY! And now it will take me forever to read all these comments!

    I love how Paul successfully omitted ANY Nike link – well done, sir! And I kind of like the scales on the TCU pants, but link is so gaaaaaay! It all looks like MadMax (no, way too cool)… like that stupid ass storm trooper video someone posted last week. Gonna look like shit on the O-line… wow, media’s demented projection of a healthy woman just got slapped on men playing football. Nike is sending us back to the dark ages! ;)

    [quote comment=”359338″]FUPP is still there.

    link

    Weirdwolf, not Geocities. Don’t recall when it was moved.[/quote]
    Darn it, didn’t read very carefully. You were talking about the 1994 site. I saved the Packers pics a few years ago.

    [quote comment=”359332″]That new Nike collar treatment is ugly. link At least in my opinion. Humbly offered.[/quote]

    It looks poofy. And soft. Blousey. Like a little scarf. Kinda brings out the gaucho in the players, don’t you think?

    Hey, they’re wearing the PANTS for it.
    link

    [quote comment=”359276″][quote comment=”359225″]It seemed to me that yesterday’s Bucanneers Creamsicle throwbacks were the wrong shade… on my set, they looked more of a faded peach than orange. Anyone else note that?[/quote]
    Good eye. The Bucs have made quite a deal about how these are throwbacks to the original jerseys, which were lighter in color than later versions.

    Details link:

    [quote]The process (of creating a throwback uniform for the Bucs) took longer than the Glazers would have preferred, mostly because the Bucs ran into problems trying to match the exact color of the 1976 orange Bucs jerseys.

    “When the NFL sent us a box with the old orange jersey from the 1990s I realized this process wasn’t going to be as easy as we originally thought,” said Glazer.

    Ownership’s long search for an original 1976 orange Bucs jersey that was still in mint condition finally ended thanks to an advertisement the Glazers found on Craigslist, which was posted by the son of the original owner of Bay Sporting Goods, which supplied the Bucs with their jerseys and helmets in 1976.

    The 1976 Bucs only wore their orange jerseys one time, which was for a preseason game. The ’76 Bucs are forever known as the only team to go winless before the 2008 Detroit Lions.

    However, Glazer said ownership wanted to recognize Tampa Bay’s history from where it all began. [/quote][/quote]

    I was there yesterday, as I was more than a few times back in the ’70s. I went yesterday expecting to nitpick. I came away thinking they nailed it. Spot on.

    As was also mentioned, the attention to all the other details was impressive. The honoring of Lee Roy Selmon, with so many of his ’79 teammates there, was outstanding.

    This is a team that often seems to be running from its history (perhaps understandably). Yesterday was a real treat.

    Look out, SuperPurpleFrog!!!
    Your garage door is opening behind you!!!
    Soon the whole NEIGHBORHOOD will know of your secret identity!!!!

    link

    [quote comment=”359342″]Look out, SuperPurpleFrog!!!
    Your garage door is opening behind you!!!
    Soon the whole NEIGHBORHOOD will know of your secret identity!!!!

    link

    Dude, don’t threaten the frog, or it’ll SHOOT BLOOD OUT OF ITS EYES!

    Deangelo Williams’ helmet decal looks like it is actually just a reflection of the dome’s lighting.

    [quote comment=”359344″][quote comment=”359342″]Look out, SuperPurpleFrog!!!
    Your garage door is opening behind you!!!
    Soon the whole NEIGHBORHOOD will know of your secret identity!!!!

    link

    Dude, don’t threaten the frog, or it’ll SHOOT BLOOD OUT OF ITS EYES![/quote]

    I’m not threatening him, I’m trying to WARN him!!!

    What a disaster! If his secret gets out, who will bag my groceries?

    Gotta say, after seeing the NCAA hoops preview, I think only one school made an improvement, and that’s USF. I swear, it’s one extreme to the other these days – either it’s all kinds of swirly goofy piping, or it’s minimalist yawners.

    Forget fixing the NFL and MLB unis – we need to fix the NCAA and the NBA, pronto.

    link of the Virginia Tech ProCombat uniform. To be accompanied by a white VT helmet seen link.

    Article on the link

    Interesting how the uniform has ‘Ut Prosim’ on the inside of the collar on the jersey, but link on the outside. But they’ve gone and put it on the link, so I guess its ok…

    douchebags

    [quote comment=”359349″]link of the Virginia Tech ProCombat uniform. To be accompanied by a white VT helmet seen link.

    Article on the link

    Interesting how the uniform has ‘Ut Prosim’ on the inside of the collar on the jersey, but link on the outside. But they’ve gone and put it on the link, so I guess its ok…

    douchebags[/quote]

    That’s actually not a bad looking uniform, IMO. Doesn’t need the text on the ass, but aside from that, I like it. The gradient numbers are different, but still readable, and the faded checkered stripes I think work better than the normal cut off truncated style.

    [quote comment=”359349″]link of the Virginia Tech ProCombat uniform. To be accompanied by a white VT helmet seen link.

    Article on the link

    Interesting how the uniform has ‘Ut Prosim’ on the inside of the collar on the jersey, but link on the outside. But they’ve gone and put it on the link, so I guess its ok…

    douchebags[/quote]

    I’m sorry, I honestly don’t know what to say (chuckling incredulously, shaking head) that I haven’t said before….
    The sketches from the seventh grade girls sleepover are still in the Nike design pool, I see.
    (although this one looks like they quit in the middle when they decided to do each other’s hair instead)

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359349″]link of the Virginia Tech ProCombat uniform. To be accompanied by a white VT helmet seen link.

    Article on the link

    Interesting how the uniform has ‘Ut Prosim’ on the inside of the collar on the jersey, but link on the outside. But they’ve gone and put it on the link, so I guess its ok…

    douchebags[/quote]
    And the sad part is, I actually like this uniform. Its an upgrade over our regular unis (not the throwbacks) and actually looks pretty sharp. Yeah, the multicolor fade on the numbers would take some time getting used to, but I wouldn’t mind that being our regular road uni. Looks like a modernization of a throwback style, and I actually wouldn’t mind owning one. Its just that the way they’ve gone about hyping it with this military shit and hyping it as if we’re going to war against Maryland (i.e. UnderArmour… in fact at the unveiling the Nike rep specifically said they developed it as an all-white to contrast the blackout UMd is doing for the game… the blackout they are doing because UMd developed special black and camo unis for the Wounded Warriors Project…) that has me hating this whole thing.

    Okay, I’ll go ahead and say it because I don’t think anyone else wants to.

    Almost every Nike football pant design seems to be about drawing the eye to the player’s ass.

    There. Now all the rest of you who’ve noticed it (and if you’re conscious you should have noticed it) can go ahead and discuss.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359354″]Almost every Nike football pant design seems to be about drawing the eye to the player’s ass.[/quote]

    NTTAWWT

    [quote comment=”359355″][quote comment=”359354″]Almost every Nike football pant design seems to be about drawing the eye to the player’s ass.[/quote]

    NTTAWWT[/quote]

    Which is exactly what the seventh grade girls sleep over was after.
    LOL

    [quote comment=”359318″][quote comment=”359300″]Calling a high school team name a “brand” is just about the same as calling a football game a war.[/quote]

    I agree with the second part, but “branding” is critical in ANY aspect.

    From what I remember, branding is the application of marketing techniques to a specific product, product line, or brand…

    The Branding of High School sports is seriously undervalued. Many schools could take a less in recouping some revenue from proper branding whilst having students learn the aspects of business. Why shouldn’t a high school (public or private) brand themselves…from concept to design to profit…it’s all about making money in order for programs to continue.[/quote]

    I agree but the bottom line this was a high school team.

    I’ve worked with a number of school districts and know how their money works, and I’ll tell ya, sports is the last place they put money and its the bare minimum, hence bake sales and boosters, etc. Branding a high school team, although important for the identity of the school, is worth the level it’s seeked today, no more no less. Tell me how spending thousands of dollars to market your high school team would accomplish anything? Thats a whole other discussion, back to the high school logo though…

    It’s not like Verizon or Adidas or the Tampa Rays are coming to the public and asking them for a new finished logo, letterhead, business cards, and patterns ready to be sewn onto uniforms free of charge. For crying out loud the guy was a high school coach with no budget looking for a new logo.

    Creativity can come from anywhere or anyone. I’m an architect but do I care when someone comes to me with a design for a house? Absolutely not. Why would I? It’s their house, their money. So it takes away from my being able to be creative for the moment, I still need to do my professional part as an architect and make sure its structurally safe, abides by the building codes, keeps water out, and is at least designed to a minimum standard of usefulness. There in lies some of the areas I can project creativeness, even if it’s to do something as mundane as making sure windows don’t leak.

    A grpahic designer would have to be employed in the same vain to make sure that crayon drawing comes to life professionally.

    As for devaluing the profession, that is certainly egotistical to think that good design could only possibly come from someone formally trained in that field. What if I spend good money on a graphic designer or an architect and they keep coming up with things I don’t like telling me that is in fact “good design” no matter how much I don’t like it? What if I want a bear logo and you keep selling me a dolphin telling me thats good design?

    “No sir you want a red and black logo even though your colors are blue and teal. It’s the newest trend and the public will love it without pause.”

    Well I could give a rats arse. Our High Schools colors are blue and teal. Now, if you want to tell my the borders need to be thicker and the typeface is too small, by all means. If you tell me I need a thicker wall or gutters on this roof by code then all means. But to tell me I shouldn’t paint my house purple because mr. architect doesn’t like purple? Then yes, mr architect/graphic designer is being egotistical and overvaluing their opinions.

    [rant off]

    Except for the gradient effect in the numbers, I like the VaTech unis especially the white helmet.

    [quote comment=”359357″]Shawn Brown attended the VT unveiling earlier today and took these pics:
    link

    Are they required to run an unbalanced line with that helmet?

    Cuz, y’know, they could be tricky and go unbalanced the opposite direction of the helmet stripes. Really mess up the other team.

    Which is the unbalanced side, you ask?
    Ah, that’s were the confusion and misdirection comes in.

    Very clever, Nike. Clever, indeed.
    Almost inscrutable.

    —Ricko

    Any info on team colors of the 1961 Cleveland Pipers of the old American Basketball League? Thanks. By the way, for what it’s worth, I’m an “old school” guy too! I MUCH PREFER stirrups with the baseball uniform, with WHITE sanitaries underneath!

    Tim

    I apologize in advance for continuing/responding to this thread but that my two one hundreths of a dollar.

    [quote comment=”359244″]Spot-on commentary by Scott. The pizza analogy is perfect. As a designer, neither I nor my colleagues suffer from elitism. That doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve a fair-market rate for what we do for a living. I am 30, and though I’ve only worked in the computer age, I see every day the devaluation of design. Though, it is often through time. People expect everything almost instantly now because of computers. The thought-process and expertise is not valued or appreciated like it may have once been. Now it is all about the fastest design for the cheapest price. Healthy competition is great, but there must be a floor for the value of our work.[/quote]

    Well, just this past weekend I bought $100 in parts and overhauled of two of my car’s major systems. Instead of paying a skilled mechanic $600 in labor to do the work, I turned to a hobbyist willing to do the labor at no cost (me).

    So just to be clear: I’m evil too, right? After all, a good auto mechanic performs a more technically skilled job, and does so with far more at stake in terms of lives and safety, than a graphic designer. So if it’s wrong for amateurs or hobbyists to “devalue” design by doing design work at no cost, then it must be even more wrong for an amateur like me to “devalue” mechanics by doing mechanical work at no cost.

    The key sentence is, “Healthy competition is great, but there must be a floor for the value of our work.” Must be? Well, in point of fact there is not, nor will there ever be, unless an actual law is passed and enforced that punishes unlicensed designers in the same way that we have laws that punish those who practice law or medicine without a license. So are you proposing we enact such a law for design? If you’re not proposing such a law, then all you’re doing yelling, “link

    I don’t mind the Combat unis for TCU, primarily since they were such a train wreck before. The blood lines: kind of cool.

    Virginia Tech’s not so bad either. The fadeaway is neither good nor bad. The BeamerBall is goofy. My first reaction is it’s missing a orange stripe to make it a Northwestern stripe. Yep, that’s my second reaction, too.

    The military promo is simply outrageous.

    “Tell me how spending thousands of dollars to market your high school team would accomplish anything? Thats a whole other discussion, back to the high school logo though…”

    You could take this template and apply it to a private or public (SUNY) college that people pay to attend as well (It’s not okay that these “higher education” institutions can generate this revenue and the local public schools get frowned on for dong so), ….if done correctly, you would be able to make more money to re-invest back into your school in many aspects and areas.

    “…and I’ll tell ya, sports is the last place they put money and its the bare minimum, hence bake sales and boosters”…

    I respect the fact you have some experience, but selling cupcakes vs. smart branding…maybe then they would have more $$$ to put the money there and entice better student athlete’s to come and play….this obviously wouldn’t work for all teams or areas…but a few schools at a time, this could truly be a blessing.

    Actually the spirograph shoulders on the VT unifoms remind me of this, maybe it’s designed to keep birds from landing there?

    link

    [quote comment=”359357″]Shawn Brown attended the VT unveiling earlier today and took these pics:
    link

    If I never had to see gradient anything, anywhere, for the rest of my life, I think I’d be okay with that.

    I think “Prepare for Combat” and the “System of Dress” devalue the marketing and design businesses more than a logo contest. But, it was nice to read Scott’s piece today. He seems to be taking his newfound fame, and the criticism that came with it, in stride.

    Hmmmm…

    Sounds like a young George Steinbrenner used somewhat similar tactics, with similar results, for the American Basketball League to what Donald Trump employed and “accomplished” for the USFL…

    “In 1961, Abe Saperstein, Paul Cohen, George Steinbrenner and others attempted to form a new professional basketball league to rival the National Basketball Association (NBA). The developers enlisted the best teams from the National Alliance of Basketball Leagues and from the Amateur Athletic Union to form the American Basketball League. Among the league’s founding teams was Steinbrenner’s Cleveland Pipers. The Pipers had won the Amateur Athletic Union championship in the previous season.

    “In the American Basketball League, the Cleveland Pipers emerged as a dominant team. John McClendon served as the squad’s first coach. As coach of the Pipers, McClendon became the first African American to serve as head coach of a major professional basketball team. The squad won the league championship in its first season (1961-1962). McClendon was not the coach by season’s end. According to McClendon, Steinbrenner interfered in coaching decisions. McClendon resigned in midseason.

    “Following the 1961-1962 season, Steinbrenner recruited basketball sensation Jerry Lucas to play for the Pipers. Steinbrenner did not want the Cleveland Pipers to continue to play in the American Basketball League. By signing a famous player, Steinbrenner hoped to move the squad to the National Basketball Association. The NBA refused to allow the team to join the league. Steinbrenner disbanded the team before the start of the ABL’s second season. The American Basketball League ended before the completion of the 1962-1963 season.”

    the link…
    link

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359365″]”Tell me how spending thousands of dollars to market your high school team would accomplish anything? Thats a whole other discussion, back to the high school logo though…”

    You could take this template and apply it to a private or public (SUNY) college that people pay to attend as well (It’s not okay that these “higher education” institutions can generate this revenue and the local public schools get frowned on for dong so), ….if done correctly, you would be able to make more money to re-invest back into your school in many aspects and areas.

    “…and I’ll tell ya, sports is the last place they put money and its the bare minimum, hence bake sales and boosters”…

    I respect the fact you have some experience, but selling cupcakes vs. smart branding…maybe then they would have more $$$ to put the money there and entice better student athlete’s to come and play….this obviously wouldn’t work for all teams or areas…but a few schools at a time, this could truly be a blessing.[/quote]

    But for most high schools, theres NO COMPETITION. You live in a district and you go to that school. In that community you try to market the sports programs to businesses and get some revenue in return, but its minimal. So if you increase that marketing value by thousands of dollars, wheres the return? You’re dealing with a fixed community, once the system reaches its own level theres not much that can be done to increase revenues.

    Heres another thing to ponder. Lets say the coach wants a new design. He can’t afford much so he asks the community for submissions for designs with little or no compensation. The graphic design community is up in arms because it devalues their work and in the end, the graphic design community wins, and since the coach can’t afford to hire a graphic design company, he gets nothing and the team goes on with its old logo, a graphic design firm ISN’T hired to render a new logo professionally, uniforms don’t get made, the school doesn’t get rebranded, etc. Then who wins?

    Here’s a shot of the System of Dress testing process, where the new unis went up against a more classic look: link
    Depsite the inherent flaw in aerodynamics, the SOD was given the green light. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps, unlike in college football, the idea is to draw attention away from the players’ asses…

    Paul mentioned in the college hoops preview that Nova is now a Nike Elite school b/c they went to the Final Four last year.

    Has anyone ever fully explained why George Mason, a school outfitted by Nike, doesn’t get to be part of the Nike Elite stuff, and thus wear a silver medallion on their jerseys? They made a Final Four. Isn’t that all that’s necessary (Nike is your uni supplier and you make a Final Four)? We’re talkin’ 2006 here.

    [quote comment=”359375″]Paul mentioned in the college hoops preview that Nova is now a Nike Elite school b/c they went to the Final Four last year.

    Has anyone ever fully explained why George Mason, a school outfitted by Nike, doesn’t get to be part of the Nike Elite stuff, and thus wear a silver medallion on their jerseys? They made a Final Four. Isn’t that all that’s necessary (Nike is your uni supplier and you make a Final Four)? We’re talkin’ 2006 here.[/quote]

    Probably shows the lack of faith Nike has in them ever getting there again. I’d love to see GMU prove them wrong (As long as ‘Nova beats them in the Final).

    [quote comment=”359376″][quote comment=”359375″]Paul mentioned in the college hoops preview that Nova is now a Nike Elite school b/c they went to the Final Four last year.

    Has anyone ever fully explained why George Mason, a school outfitted by Nike, doesn’t get to be part of the Nike Elite stuff, and thus wear a silver medallion on their jerseys? They made a Final Four. Isn’t that all that’s necessary (Nike is your uni supplier and you make a Final Four)? We’re talkin’ 2006 here.[/quote]

    Probably shows the lack of faith Nike has in them ever getting there again. I’d love to see GMU prove them wrong (As long as ‘Nova beats them in the Final).[/quote]

    Who’s to say Villanova is going back anytime soon, either. It was almost 25 years between trips for the Wildcats.

    [quote comment=”359374″]Here’s a shot of the System of Dress testing process, where the new unis went up against a more classic look: link
    Depsite the inherent flaw in aerodynamics, the SOD was given the green light. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps, unlike in college football, the idea is to draw attention away from the players’ asses…[/quote]

    I believe it survived because, as evidenced by the photo, SOD also offered the possibility of some absolutely fetching off the shoulder interpretations. Very Cher, very “Gypsies, Tramps &T hieves”, a nice counterpoint to the other intriguing look; which of course is the currently popular “Mucho Macho Gaucho”.

    Next move? Officials’ unis. Every game: a Construction Worker, Motorcycle Cop and Indian Chief.

    “Y…M…C….A….”

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359225″]It seemed to me that yesterday’s Bucanneers Creamsicle throwbacks were the wrong shade… on my set, they looked more of a faded peach than orange. Anyone else note that?[/quote]

    As mentioned, the Bucs used several shades of orange over the years. This image gives you a good comparison of 3 different shades that were used: link

    Too many teams these days are afraid of color in their uniforms, so it was nice to see Bucco Bruce back in action. I heard they are committed to wearing them at least once for each of the next 5 years.

    Props to Ricko for the “unbalanced line” ,er, line. Will this be henceforth referred to as the Va Tech stripe?

    [quote comment=”359380″][quote comment=”359225″]It seemed to me that yesterday’s Bucanneers Creamsicle throwbacks were the wrong shade… on my set, they looked more of a faded peach than orange. Anyone else note that?[/quote]

    As mentioned, the Bucs used several shades of orange over the years. This image gives you a good comparison of 3 different shades that were used: link

    Too many teams these days are afraid of color in their uniforms, so it was nice to see Bucco Bruce back in action. I heard they are committed to wearing them at least once for each of the next 5 years.[/quote]
    That’s what whoever wrote the article on the Bucs’ website said. We’re not sure that’s true.

    They can’t introduce another alternate for 5 years. It’s not clear that they are obligated to actually wear it every year.

    I know yesterday’s talk of bad unis is well, yesterday, but I’ve thought of an interesting discussion: Uni schemees that didn’t last long. The White Sox perfected it, but noticeable are the Brewers and Astros in the mid-late 90’s. Highly unforgettable, but served a bridge between their classic and modern look.

    [quote comment=”359383″]I know yesterday’s talk of bad unis is well, yesterday, but I’ve thought of an interesting discussion: Uni schemees that didn’t last long. The White Sox perfected it, but noticeable are the Brewers and Astros in the mid-late 90’s. Highly unforgettable, but served a bridge between their classic and modern look.[/quote]
    The Brewers’ 1998-1999 look was superior to either the pinstriped look or the current one. Sadly under-rated.

    [quote comment=”359321″][quote comment=”359295″]There’s a big difference between being willing to fight for your country and defend our rights – and enjoying it. Those that enjoy it should not be allowed to do it.[/quote]

    wait…what?[/quote]
    If you have people who enjoy battle and killing people, they shouldn’t be allowed in situations where they’re in a position to do that.

    In short, he doesn’t trust the judgment of somebody who enjoys battle when they’re in a situation that requires judgment on whether or not to shoot somebody.

    Seems like a perfectly fair point. And it’s a problem with our volunteer army. I could cite examples, but there would be a billion people coming here and whining about anything political whatsoever somehow making it onto their interwebs.

    As mentioned by a few others, I hope “Cochon de Lait” or “Pig of milk” has some meaning to LSU. I kind of hope that Nike gaffed this one up a bit though.

    [quote comment=”359383″]I know yesterday’s talk of bad unis is well, yesterday, but I’ve thought of an interesting discussion: Uni schemees that didn’t last long. The White Sox perfected it, but noticeable are the Brewers and Astros in the mid-late 90’s. Highly unforgettable, but served a bridge between their classic and modern look.[/quote]

    Indeed, I was a little surprised that the Astros navy and gold (or whatever it was) set with “streaking A Star something or other” hat logo didn’t get a nomination.

    But, then again, it wasn’t so much ugly as it was remarkably forgettable. And I guess the fact that no one thought of it until today proves the point, doesn’t it. LOL

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359388″]Here in D.C., link is not just for the birds … erm … Nats.[/quote]
    It’s like the snickers commercial became real!

    [quote comment=”359385″][quote comment=”359321″][quote comment=”359295″]There’s a big difference between being willing to fight for your country and defend our rights – and enjoying it. Those that enjoy it should not be allowed to do it.[/quote]

    wait…what?[/quote]
    If you have people who enjoy battle and killing people, they shouldn’t be allowed in situations where they’re in a position to do that.

    In short, he doesn’t trust the judgment of somebody who enjoys battle when they’re in a situation that requires judgment on whether or not to shoot somebody.

    Seems like a perfectly fair point. And it’s a problem with our volunteer army. I could cite examples, but there would be a billion people coming here and whining about anything political whatsoever somehow making it onto their interwebs.[/quote]

    yes…he clarified and i responded back…about 3 hours ago

    check post 128

    [quote comment=”359386″]As mentioned by a few others, I hope “Cochon de Lait” or “Pig of milk” has some meaning to LSU. I kind of hope that Nike gaffed this one up a bit though.[/quote]
    See Post 118.

    [quote comment=”359392″][quote comment=”359386″]As mentioned by a few others, I hope “Cochon de Lait” or “Pig of milk” has some meaning to LSU. I kind of hope that Nike gaffed this one up a bit though.[/quote]
    See Post 118.[/quote]
    Or read link.

    [quote comment=”359322″][quote comment=”359304″][quote comment=”359292″]Just in time to save this discussion from going down some potentially nasty roads, today’s ESPN column is up:
    link
    A little while back there was some chatter about Tom Crean mentioning at a Q&A session that Adidas came up with some jersey design for IU and he looked them over and gave his approval.

    Are these a no-go or was he maybe talking about practice jerseys or the like?[/quote]

    Not sure, but I did check with IU, and they specifically told me that there were no new uniforms this season.[/quote]
    I don’t know if I’m relieved about that or not. I was kinda curious to see what they’d do. It’s not like the basketball unis have been completely unchanged over the last decade plus, so I was figuring it would be some kind of tweak and certainly not something radical.

    [quote comment=”359390″][quote comment=”359385″][quote comment=”359321″][quote comment=”359295″]There’s a big difference between being willing to fight for your country and defend our rights – and enjoying it. Those that enjoy it should not be allowed to do it.[/quote]

    wait…what?[/quote]
    If you have people who enjoy battle and killing people, they shouldn’t be allowed in situations where they’re in a position to do that.

    In short, he doesn’t trust the judgment of somebody who enjoys battle when they’re in a situation that requires judgment on whether or not to shoot somebody.

    Seems like a perfectly fair point. And it’s a problem with our volunteer army. I could cite examples, but there would be a billion people coming here and whining about anything political whatsoever somehow making it onto their interwebs.[/quote]

    yes…he clarified and i responded back…about 3 hours ago

    check link[/quote]
    Yeah, sorry, I did miss that.

    [quote comment=”359377″][quote comment=”359376″][quote comment=”359375″]Paul mentioned in the college hoops preview that Nova is now a Nike Elite school b/c they went to the Final Four last year.

    Has anyone ever fully explained why George Mason, a school outfitted by Nike, doesn’t get to be part of the Nike Elite stuff, and thus wear a silver medallion on their jerseys? They made a Final Four. Isn’t that all that’s necessary (Nike is your uni supplier and you make a Final Four)? We’re talkin’ 2006 here.[/quote]

    Probably shows the lack of faith Nike has in them ever getting there again. I’d love to see GMU prove them wrong (As long as ‘Nova beats them in the Final).[/quote]

    Who’s to say Villanova is going back anytime soon, either. It was almost 25 years between trips for the Wildcats.[/quote]

    Oh, they’ll be back…maybe this year.

    Whether or not they make it, I think my next DIY project (after my miniature ski jump) is to take a blue t-shirt and make it look like an ’85 Villanova jersey. Ed Pinckney’s number, of course.

    Why can’t Nike stop fucking with everybody’s uniforms? That’s what the Autzen Proving Ground is for. And where is Oregon in all this anyway?

    Minority opinion: I like VT’s gradient numbers, but I also think the Canucks should bring back the Flying V.

    [quote comment=”359397″][quote comment=”359377″][quote comment=”359376″][quote comment=”359375″]Paul mentioned in the college hoops preview that Nova is now a Nike Elite school b/c they went to the Final Four last year.

    Has anyone ever fully explained why George Mason, a school outfitted by Nike, doesn’t get to be part of the Nike Elite stuff, and thus wear a silver medallion on their jerseys? They made a Final Four. Isn’t that all that’s necessary (Nike is your uni supplier and you make a Final Four)? We’re talkin’ 2006 here.[/quote]

    Probably shows the lack of faith Nike has in them ever getting there again. I’d love to see GMU prove them wrong (As long as ‘Nova beats them in the Final).[/quote]

    Who’s to say Villanova is going back anytime soon, either. It was almost 25 years between trips for the Wildcats.[/quote]

    Oh, they’ll be back…maybe this year.

    Whether or not they make it, I think my next DIY project (after my miniature ski jump) is to take a blue t-shirt and make it look like an ’85 Villanova jersey. Ed Pinckney’s number, of course.[/quote]

    Oklahoma State was considered an Elite school after only making it once as well.

    [quote comment=”359393″][quote comment=”359392″][quote comment=”359386″]As mentioned by a few others, I hope “Cochon de Lait” or “Pig of milk” has some meaning to LSU. I kind of hope that Nike gaffed this one up a bit though.[/quote]
    See Post 118.[/quote]
    Or read link.[/quote]

    That looks GREAT! I can barely sneak away fro 9 holes of golf let alone one of those.

    [quote comment=”359393″][quote comment=”359392″][quote comment=”359386″]As mentioned by a few others, I hope “Cochon de Lait” or “Pig of milk” has some meaning to LSU. I kind of hope that Nike gaffed this one up a bit though.[/quote]
    See Post 118.[/quote]
    Or read link.[/quote]

    Anybody else think the cooking shed animations look like something out of the next Saw movie?

    [quote comment=”359391″][quote comment=”359357″]Shawn Brown attended the VT unveiling earlier today and took these pics:
    link
    LOL… that one guy is looking down like , what the f*ck am I wearing???[/quote]

    Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.

    d’oh
    lemme try this again:

    that'[quote comment=”359391″][quote comment=”359357″]Shawn Brown attended the VT unveiling earlier today and took these pics:
    link
    LOL… that one guy is looking down like , what the f*ck am I wearing???[/quote]

    That’s because Cody Grimm’s an old school style player. An undersized linebacker who is around the ball on every play, and the son of an NFL legend (Russ Grimm)

    [quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    At the time of the rule, I think it screwed up the NHL’s scoring computers. ) was used as the number entered when assigning a penalty to the bench, so that got annoying.

    Personally, I’m in favor of the rule. Nothing really looks dumber then 0, unless it’s 00 used as a distinct number. Pi, decimals, three digit numbers, fractions, whatever. They look better then 0.

    [quote comment=”359363″][quote comment=”359244″]Spot-on commentary by Scott. The pizza analogy is perfect. As a designer, neither I nor my colleagues suffer from elitism. That doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve a fair-market rate for what we do for a living. I am 30, and though I’ve only worked in the computer age, I see every day the devaluation of design. Though, it is often through time. People expect everything almost instantly now because of computers. The thought-process and expertise is not valued or appreciated like it may have once been. Now it is all about the fastest design for the cheapest price. Healthy competition is great, but there must be a floor for the value of our work.[/quote]

    Well, just this past weekend I bought $100 in parts and overhauled of two of my car’s major systems. Instead of paying a skilled mechanic $600 in labor to do the work, I turned to a hobbyist willing to do the labor at no cost (me).

    So just to be clear: I’m evil too, right? After all, a good auto mechanic performs a more technically skilled job, and does so with far more at stake in terms of lives and safety, than a graphic designer. So if it’s wrong for amateurs or hobbyists to “devalue” design by doing design work at no cost, then it must be even more wrong for an amateur like me to “devalue” mechanics by doing mechanical work at no cost.

    The key sentence is, “Healthy competition is great, but there must be a floor for the value of our work.” Must be? Well, in point of fact there is not, nor will there ever be, unless an actual law is passed and enforced that punishes unlicensed designers in the same way that we have laws that punish those who practice law or medicine without a license. So are you proposing we enact such a law for design? If you’re not proposing such a law, then all you’re doing yelling, “link“[/quote]

    winner winner chicken dinner! much of Scott’s article says “I’m not an elitist, I’m really a good guy” but in the end it sounds pretty elitist to me. and anybody who says otherwise is told they just don’t get it. methinks not.

    [quote comment=”359406″][quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    At the time of the rule, I think it screwed up the NHL’s scoring computers. ) was used as the number entered when assigning a penalty to the bench, so that got annoying.

    Personally, I’m in favor of the rule. Nothing really looks dumber then 0, unless it’s 00 used as a distinct number. Pi, decimals, three digit numbers, fractions, whatever. They look better then 0.[/quote]

    But if really want to be annoyed by the zeroes, look no further than the 1985 Blue Jays – Al Oliver wore 0 (his usual number) and Cliff Johnson wore 00 (because 44 was taken).

    This picture conjures many a thought:

    1. Bruce Smith can probably still play ball.
    2. If Ray J and Nas had a baby it would have looked like Tyrod Taylor.

    link

    link

    3. I think the designers who came up with this uni…had the same red eye condition that Mr. Taylor is exhibiting.

    4. Is this Miami or VaTech?

    5. I flat out don’t like them.

    “Personally, I’m in favor of the rule. Nothing really looks dumber then 0, unless it’s 00 used as a distinct number. Pi, decimals, three digit numbers, fractions, whatever. They look better then 0.”

    Pie Traynor last player to wear Pi

    [quote comment=”359410″]This picture conjures many a thought:

    link

    1. Bruce Smith can probably still play ball.
    2. If Ray J and Nas had a baby it would have looked like Tyrod Taylor.

    link

    link

    3. I think the designers who came up with this uni…had the same red eye condition that Mr. Taylor is exhibiting.

    4. Is this Miami or VaTech?

    5. I flat out don’t like them.[/quote]

    “1. Bruce Smith can probably still play ball.”

    Send your resume to vinnie cerato and dan snyder.

    [quote comment=”359408″][quote comment=”359406″][quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    At the time of the rule, I think it screwed up the NHL’s scoring computers. ) was used as the number entered when assigning a penalty to the bench, so that got annoying.

    Personally, I’m in favor of the rule. Nothing really looks dumber then 0, unless it’s 00 used as a distinct number. Pi, decimals, three digit numbers, fractions, whatever. They look better then 0.[/quote]

    But if really want to be annoyed by the zeroes, look no further than the 1985 Blue Jays – Al Oliver wore 0 (his usual number) and Cliff Johnson wore 00 (because 44 was taken).[/quote]

    Al Oliver was my 2nd favorite ballplayer after Willie Stargell. He wore 16 with the Pirates. After that, I think he wore 0 with everyone else.

    Gotta disagree with you, Jeff P. Fractions, decimals and pi look goofy on unis, but 0 is clean and classic. I can understand people thinking 00 is goofy, but I like it. I didn’t like Benito Santiago’s 09, though.

    I’d rather they use 1 in the scoring computers. After all, if you’re playing a team sport, should you really be wearing a 1? Yeah, some guys can pull it off, but it always seemed a bit like bragging to me.

    [quote comment=”359410″]This picture conjures many a thought:

    2. If Ray J and Nas had a baby it would have looked like Tyrod Taylor.

    link

    link

    [/quote]

    That’s good stuff right there, Powers!

    FWIW, On the Dan Patrick show this morning, Dan said that he was talking to Tony Dungy last night during their Football Night in America show and Dungy said that the Bucs orange looked different because they didn’t switch to that more creamsicley orange until later. So apparently those unis were correct.

    [quote comment=”359414″][quote comment=”359408″][quote comment=”359406″][quote comment=”359403″]Gotta disagree with you, Jeff P. Fractions, decimals and pi look goofy on unis, but 0 is clean and classic. I can understand people thinking 00 is goofy, but I like it. I didn’t like Benito Santiago’s 09, though.[/quote]

    Hmm, wonder if the Yanks would let anyone wear 03, 05 or 07?

    [quote comment=”359410″]This picture conjures many a thought:

    1. Bruce Smith can probably still play ball.

    4. Is this Miami or VaTech?
    [/quote]
    1. I met Bruce my Senior Year at one of the bars in Blacksburg after the UVa game in 2007. I’ll tell you what, the man is still jacked. I would not want to get into a fight with him. Extremely nice, but man, he just looks like he could destroy you.

    4. Yeah, I thought the same thing when I saw that striping pattern on the pants. Its literally an upside-down version of the Canes.

    Not to open up an old controvesy, anyone else hear/see Greenburg and Golic talking about the best-selling jerseys (Top Ten were all NFL, btw) one morning late last week? As they finished up on the subject, almost as a throwaway Golic said quickly as the last thing before they went to commercial, “Just don’t put your own name on it.”

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359419″]Not to open up an old controvesy, anyone else hear/see Greenburg and Golic talking about the best-selling jerseys (Top Ten were all NFL, btw) one morning late last week? As they finished up on the subject, almost as a throwaway Golic said quickly as the last thing before they went to commercial, “Just don’t put your own name on it.”

    —Ricko[/quote]

    So in Golic’s case, if he bought a jersey with his old number, should he put “Greenberg” on it?

    [quote comment=”359416″]FWIW, On the Dan Patrick show this morning, Dan said that he was talking to Tony Dungy last night during their Football Night in America show and Dungy said that the Bucs orange looked different because they didn’t switch to that more creamsicley orange until later. So apparently those unis were correct.[/quote]

    No doubt true. I remember at first thinking the Bucs were wearing athletic gold and either maroon or red…
    link
    link

    On the other hand, I really don’t think that Orange Crush orange Doug Williams jersey shown in one of those photos (the one where you can barely see the red) was ever really a color the Bucs wore. Would have awfully difficult for that to have escaped everyone’s notice until now. Pretty sure that’s a bad knockoff.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359420″][quote comment=”359419″]Not to open up an old controvesy, anyone else hear/see Greenburg and Golic talking about the best-selling jerseys (Top Ten were all NFL, btw) one morning late last week? As they finished up on the subject, almost as a throwaway Golic said quickly as the last thing before they went to commercial, “Just don’t put your own name on it.”

    —Ricko[/quote]

    So in Golic’s case, if he bought a jersey with his old number, should he put “Greenberg” on it?[/quote]

    Not gonna say anything one way or another. Just reporting what he said.

    Me? Only jerseys I’ve ever had like that, I took the name template off. Why? I’m not the guy, and I never played for the team.

    I’d even do that to a Drew Pearson Cowboys’ jersey. But again, that’s my preference. Not saying it should be anyone else’s.

    —Ricko

    Or a Cowboys or Steelers Preston Pearson jersey.
    Or a Steelers Barry Pearson jersey.

    Albie Pearson? Don’t know that he ever played for a team with NOB. But I’d take that off, too.

    Again, just me.

    On a kid, doesn’t matter at all. And I know this may sound incredibly chauvinistic, but on a girl/woman doesn’t matter, either. Cuz, with possible exception of my first mother-in-law, most women I know would never be mistaken for Merlin Olsen. Or Jeremy Shockey, for that matter.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359419″]Not to open up an old controvesy, anyone else hear/see Greenburg and Golic talking about the best-selling jerseys (Top Ten were all NFL, btw) one morning late last week? As they finished up on the subject, almost as a throwaway Golic said quickly as the last thing before they went to commercial, “Just don’t put your own name on it.”

    —Ricko[/quote]
    Yeah, both of them are proponents of the theory that putting your own name on the back of a replica jersey link.

    Watching ESPN.
    Anyone else here ever been around Suzie Kolber in real life?
    Not forgiving Joe Namath, but I understand the thought. LOL

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359425″]Watching ESPN.
    Anyone else here ever been around Suzie Kolber in real life?
    Not forgiving Joe Namath, but I understand the thought. LOL

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Ah yes, Suzie. And where IS Bonnie Bernstein these days?

    The “Nike/war” discussion is interestingly juxtaposed by all the British/Canadian teams wearing poppy jerseys in advance of 11/11.

    Kitchener wore their annual “poppy sweaters” yesterday in an OHL game.

    Does anyone have any info on the silver writing on the back right side of Donovan Mcnabbs helmet ? I couldnt make out the writing during last nights game. Any info would help.

    [quote comment=”359425″]Watching ESPN.
    Anyone else here ever been around Suzie Kolber in real life?
    Not forgiving Joe Namath, but I understand the thought. LOL

    —Ricko[/quote]
    too bad her role on this pre-game look-in segment is reduced to throw-away quotes and other who-cares babble. kudos to the inventer of the mute button.

    [quote comment=”359428″]Does anyone have any info on the silver writing on the back right side of Donovan Mcnabbs helmet ? I couldnt make out the writing during last nights game. Any info would help.[/quote]

    I dunno if this was posted:

    BLACKHAWKS in Warmup CAMOs This Wed.11/11(Vets-Day):

    link

    I don’t think they look too bad – Coulda been worse.

    [quote comment=”359428″]Does anyone have any info on the silver writing on the back right side of Donovan Mcnabbs helmet ? I couldnt make out the writing during last nights game. Any info would help.[/quote]

    you’re talking about the p-touch decal on the back, yes?

    i believe it’s to indicate the “primary” helmet for the radio receiver (ya know, the helmets with the green dots)…pretty sure paul posted something on that earlier this year

    [quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    Zeroes and double-zeroes mess up the NHL’s record keeping on their computers. Zeroes are assigned for bench penalties in the scoring records system, and individual players would not be credited for any stats if they wore 0 or 00.

    A link had an intersting feature on throwbacks – not for the Broncos, but for the cheerleaders. Only the beginning is available at their site. For the first couple years of their existence, the cheerleaders were the “Sinclair Broncettes” (named after link, wearing green and white and bearing the apatosaurus logo on their backs). They were baton twirlers.

    [quote comment=”359427″]The “Nike/war” discussion is interestingly juxtaposed by all the British/Canadian teams wearing poppy jerseys in advance of 11/11.

    Kitchener wore their annual “poppy sweaters” yesterday in an OHL game.[/quote]

    Something of a difference in attitude and point of view between a remembrance/appreciation and suggesting the games themselves should be approached as if actually were war.

    “Prepare for Combat”?

    Gimme a break. C’mon, Nike, show at least a bit of common sense and good judgement, okay?

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    Robert Sacre from Gonzaga switched from 21 to 00 for this season.

    I can’t get over how much these Nike rivalry uniforms look like they are straight from a video game. Especially the TCU version. I wish some of these schools had the balls to say “no thanks Nike, these look fucking ridiculous”.

    [quote comment=”359438″][quote comment=”359427″]The “Nike/war” discussion is interestingly juxtaposed by all the British/Canadian teams wearing poppy jerseys in advance of 11/11.

    Kitchener wore their annual “poppy sweaters” yesterday in an OHL game.[/quote]

    Something of a difference in attitude and point of view between a remembrance/appreciation and suggesting the games themselves should be approached as if actually were war.

    “Prepare for Combat”?

    Gimme a break. C’mon, Nike, show at least a bit of common sense and good judgement, okay?

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Haha……good one. I would take one or the other from them at this point.

    [quote comment=”359440″]I can’t get over how much these Nike rivalry uniforms look like they are straight from a video game. Especially the TCU version. I wish some of these schools had the balls to say “no thanks Nike, these look fucking ridiculous”.[/quote]
    I’m sure most would like to, but when Nike is dangling a shitload of money in your face and all you have to do is wear the uniform once, you do what you gotta do.

    Money talks, and it talks very loudly.

    [quote comment=”359442″][quote comment=”359440″]I can’t get over how much these Nike rivalry uniforms look like they are straight from a video game. Especially the TCU version. I wish some of these schools had the balls to say “no thanks Nike, these look fucking ridiculous”.[/quote]
    I’m sure most would like to, but when Nike is dangling a shitload of money in your face and all you have to do is wear the uniform once, you do what you gotta do.

    Money talks, and it talks very loudly.[/quote]

    Oh believe me, I know WHY they say yes. However, it would have been refreshing if just one of them refused to sell out. Unfortunately that is a pipe dream.

    Shame on Ohio State for allowing Nike to do this during the Michigan game. You want to roll this out when the team is playing Illinois or Northwestern or Indiana, have a blast. Pay off your masters at Nike, but know when it’s appropriate. You don’t do it during The Game. The Game is about tradition, continuity, stability of the rivalry- the whole reason rivalries are intriguing in the first place, remember? They connect our current traditions (as fiscally-enslaved as they are) with the foundations of the game. Generational legacies are born of these repetitions. If you’re going to do a throwback, make it authentic. Anything else is cheap and tacky. Sorry. I said it. If you’re going to do some wacky future bizarro Superman costume, do it when the team is playing New Mexico State. I understand the patent absurdity of that statement, because that’s precisely why Nike wants the OSU-UM game, because it brings eyeballs. I can’t say I won’t watch in protest, but I feel like I shouldn’t. I feel like somebody needs to refuse to sit at the back of the bus when it comes to Nike taking over our beautiful aesthetic universe with cheap derivative crap that hasn’t been cool since Hammer was kickin’ it with Vanilla Ice. But I can’t miss The Game this year. Damn cruel conscience.

    [quote comment=”359435″][quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    Zeroes and double-zeroes mess up the NHL’s record keeping on their computers. Zeroes are assigned for bench penalties in the scoring records system, and individual players would not be credited for any stats if they wore 0 or 00.[/quote]

    Knew that, just wondering why they couldn’t use something else. From post #203: “I’d rather they use 1 in the scoring computers. After all, if you’re playing a team sport, should you really be wearing a 1? Yeah, some guys can pull it off, but it always seemed a bit like bragging to me.”

    Or, could they use 01 in the computers?

    [quote comment=”359422″][quote comment=”359420″][quote comment=”359419″]Not to open up an old controvesy, anyone else hear/see Greenburg and Golic talking about the best-selling jerseys (Top Ten were all NFL, btw) one morning late last week? As they finished up on the subject, almost as a throwaway Golic said quickly as the last thing before they went to commercial, “Just don’t put your own name on it.”

    —Ricko[/quote]

    So in Golic’s case, if he bought a jersey with his old number, should he put “Greenberg” on it?[/quote]

    Not gonna say anything one way or another. Just reporting what he said.

    Me? Only jerseys I’ve ever had like that, I took the name template off. Why? I’m not the guy, and I never played for the team.

    I’d even do that to a Drew Pearson Cowboys’ jersey. But again, that’s my preference. Not saying it should be anyone else’s.

    —Ricko[/quote]

    That’s cool. I was just goofin’ anyway. Personally, I’m ambivalent on this one.

    Anyone recall the “Pocket Schedule guy”? Does he have a website? I’m looking for the Red Wings 1987-88 game times. My girlfriend swears up and down that the Wings played an afternoon game on Feb 15, 1988 against the Kings. She vividly recalls bringing her Walkman (yes, we’re old!) to school so she could listen to the game on the way home. The only reasoning I have is that it was President’s Day. Can’t seem to find game start times anywhere on the web.

    Broadway is releasing a play about legen-wait for it… dary Coach Vince Lombardi next year, or “season” according to this article.
    link

    My question is, who was responsible for getting the historical accuracies correct for this play? You would think at one point and time there would be a player in a Packer uniform or something. I ask, because this sounds like an amazing job, and something I would love to do. Is it a real job? Or is it something given to someone else putting together a show?

    I understand the struggles with sports analogies comparing things to war, soldiers etc., but Nike is just using the word Combat. Combat does not equal war, combat does not equal military and so on.

    They use combat in terms of martial arts all the time. Boxers are referred to as combatants. Football is combat in a sense a fight between two different teams. I have no problem with Prepare for Combat or calling the unis Pro Combat.

    That is one thing…if Nike were to call them something like Pro War Gear or referred to them as fatigues or used the phrase Prepare for War thats another thing.

    [quote comment=”359451″]I understand the struggles with sports analogies comparing things to war, soldiers etc., but Nike is just using the word Combat. Combat does not equal war, combat does not equal military and so on.

    They use combat in terms of martial arts all the time. Boxers are referred to as combatants. Football is combat in a sense a fight between two different teams. I have no problem with Prepare for Combat or calling the unis Pro Combat.

    That is one thing…if Nike were to call them something like Pro War Gear or referred to them as fatigues or used the phrase Prepare for War thats another thing.[/quote]

    And parking a combat vehicle on the Virginia Tech campus?

    Even if we accept the analogy, it doesn’t mean it isn’t a CORNY analogy.

    —Ricko

    Please, all, forgive me for bringing this back up but I just read it.

    A quote from Scott Misner’s essay:

    “Many of the readers who commented on last Wednesday’s post mentioned that this is a school system and that it doesn’t have a budget for design. But why can’t a school system afford to pay for one of its most public-facing “brand” carriers – the baseball/football/basketball uniforms that thousands see over the course of the year? Are you kidding me?!”

    Scott, at the risk of sounding more fired up than I am, trust me, these words will read harsher than I intend, you still imply a lot of design-righteousness in your statement. I have spent time in your \”world\” as a designer and now work in a High School. Show me the high school with the resources a school board has or a budget a community would be willing to pass that would allow the spending on baseball team logos you\’re implying and I will send a resume out. As a visual arts teacher and baseball coach, I would be in heaven.

    I think its just asking too much. Maybe where I work is different but the idea of hiring an agency to work on Athletics logos/uniforms seems beyond consideration. I\’m sure there are high schools and districts out there with budgeted monies for marketing of that \”high end\” nature. But for the 95% of us who don\’t, our students, our staff, and yes, the occasional contest will have to suffice. And you know what? You\’d be surprised how often they work out just fine.

    Great discussion topic on the 7th posted by Phil (Old Skool vs. New Skool).

    Wish I got some love for suggesting the very same topic a week earlier:

    #157 by CWac19 on 11.01.09 6:28 pm |

    Any chance we could put together some sort of favorite “non-traditional” unis poll? I know there are more than a few among us who, though big fans of the Yankees, Bears, and Celtics of the world, also appreciate some of the more updated looks. Any nominees?

    (Not really bitter. Just happy I was “ahead of the curve” on a topic for once. Too bad I stepped away from the blog for a few days and couldn’t really jump into the heat of the battle. Keep up the good work, Phil.)

    [quote comment=”359435″][quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    Zeroes and double-zeroes mess up the NHL’s record keeping on their computers. Zeroes are assigned for bench penalties in the scoring records system, and individual players would not be credited for any stats if they wore 0 or 00.[/quote]
    They don’t allow it in the NFL because of the strict numbering policy:
    1-19: QBs, receivers, and specialists
    20-49: backfield players other than QBs
    50-59: linebackers and centers
    60-79: linemen
    80-89: receivers and tight ends
    90-99: defensive linemen and linebackers
    The rules exist to make it easier for the refs to determine eligibility. LeCharles Bentley petitioned the league to wear 00 when he signed with the Browns, but they turned him down so he wore 55 for the one training camp play he spent with the team.

    [quote comment=”359454″]Please, all, forgive me for bringing this back up but I just read it.

    A quote from Scott Misner’s essay:

    “Many of the readers who commented on last Wednesday’s post mentioned that this is a school system and that it doesn’t have a budget for design. But why can’t a school system afford to pay for one of its most public-facing “brand” carriers – the baseball/football/basketball uniforms that thousands see over the course of the year? Are you kidding me?!”

    Scott, at the risk of sounding more fired up than I am, trust me, these words will read harsher than I intend, you still imply a lot of design-righteousness in your statement. I have spent time in your \”world\” as a designer and now work in a High School. Show me the high school with the resources a school board has or a budget a community would be willing to pass that would allow the spending on baseball team logos you\’re implying and I will send a resume out. As a visual arts teacher and baseball coach, I would be in heaven.

    I think its just asking too much. Maybe where I work is different but the idea of hiring an agency to work on Athletics logos/uniforms seems beyond consideration. I\’m sure there are high schools and districts out there with budgeted monies for marketing of that \”high end\” nature. But for the 95% of us who don\’t, our students, our staff, and yes, the occasional contest will have to suffice. And you know what? You\’d be surprised how often they work out just fine.[/quote]
    How much do high schools pay to use the more well known logo of a University? Clarksville TN (the school of the design competition) apparently uses the Kansas State power cat as does a school around my area. I’ve seen it done quite a bit, from the Texas Longhorn to the Purdue P.

    K-State licenses its Powercat logo to high schools for $1. The logo, though, cannot be used on items that are sold to the public.

    Nice policy, and quite a contrast with Wisconsin – the Powercat looks so much better than that silly motion W.

    Gotta say it again. The Broncos look so much better in orange jerseys than navy.

    That said, orange jerseys and orange pants would be brutal.

    [quote comment=”359455″]Great discussion topic on the 7th posted by Phil (Old Skool vs. New Skool).

    Wish I got some love for suggesting the very same topic a week earlier:

    #157 by CWac19 on 11.01.09 6:28 pm |

    Any chance we could put together some sort of favorite “non-traditional” unis poll? I know there are more than a few among us who, though big fans of the Yankees, Bears, and Celtics of the world, also appreciate some of the more updated looks. Any nominees?

    (Not really bitter. Just happy I was “ahead of the curve” on a topic for once. Too bad I stepped away from the blog for a few days and couldn’t really jump into the heat of the battle. Keep up the good work, Phil.)[/quote]

    check your email!

    cheers,

    PH

    [quote comment=”359457″][quote comment=”359454″]Please, all, forgive me for bringing this back up but I just read it.

    A quote from Scott Misner’s essay:

    “Many of the readers who commented on last Wednesday’s post mentioned that this is a school system and that it doesn’t have a budget for design. But why can’t a school system afford to pay for one of its most public-facing “brand” carriers – the baseball/football/basketball uniforms that thousands see over the course of the year? Are you kidding me?!”

    Scott, at the risk of sounding more fired up than I am, trust me, these words will read harsher than I intend, you still imply a lot of design-righteousness in your statement. I have spent time in your \”world\” as a designer and now work in a High School. Show me the high school with the resources a school board has or a budget a community would be willing to pass that would allow the spending on baseball team logos you\’re implying and I will send a resume out. As a visual arts teacher and baseball coach, I would be in heaven.

    I think its just asking too much. Maybe where I work is different but the idea of hiring an agency to work on Athletics logos/uniforms seems beyond consideration. I\’m sure there are high schools and districts out there with budgeted monies for marketing of that \”high end\” nature. But for the 95% of us who don\’t, our students, our staff, and yes, the occasional contest will have to suffice. And you know what? You\’d be surprised how often they work out just fine.[/quote]
    How much do high schools pay to use the more well known logo of a University? Clarksville TN (the school of the design competition) apparently uses the Kansas State power cat as does a school around my area. I’ve seen it done quite a bit, from the Texas Longhorn to the Purdue P.[/quote]

    They probably don’t. I’d assume it’s easier to just use the logo and hope the NCAA or NFL team doesn’t notice or doesn’t care, and change it if you get caught, than it is to actually go through the effort of getting permission.

    It’s also probably easier to tell a decal company “we want a red Kansas State logo” than it is to go about making your own unique one.

    [quote comment=”359458″]K-State licenses its Powercat logo to high schools for $1. The logo, though, cannot be used on items that are sold to the public.

    Nice policy, and quite a contrast with Wisconsin – the Powercat looks so much better than that silly motion W.[/quote]
    I’m a proud KSU grad but did not know that. I suppose it is smart free marketing for KSU every time it is used. Does Wisconsin charge more?

    Something I’ve been pondering. Online universities should have scholarship fantasy football teams. Right?

    [quote comment=”359443″][quote comment=”359442″][quote comment=”359440″]I can’t get over how much these Nike rivalry uniforms look like they are straight from a video game. Especially the TCU version. I wish some of these schools had the balls to say “no thanks Nike, these look fucking ridiculous”.[/quote]
    I’m sure most would like to, but when Nike is dangling a shitload of money in your face and all you have to do is wear the uniform once, you do what you gotta do.

    Money talks, and it talks very loudly.[/quote]

    Oh believe me, I know WHY they say yes. However, it would have been refreshing if just one of them refused to sell out. Unfortunately that is a pipe dream.[/quote]

    Something has just dawned on me…The Yankees, Bears, and Celtics are beautiful, traditional, and safe.

    I am one fan, consumer, and unifrom critic who likes these uniforms.

    I absolutely love what I have seen of Texas and TOSU. As for VaTech, I was actually disappointed in how tame they were.

    We must remember, although we are probably the only people on the Internet discussing uniform aesthetics, our views are not definiteive or in some cases, right.

    I can undoubtedly guarantee that the kids who will be putting this gear will be extremely amped up at how cool they are,

    I would be. Does that make me anti UW, not at all. I love the discourse here almost more than anyone other than Pl and Phil.

    [quote comment=”359446″][quote comment=”359435″][quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    Zeroes and double-zeroes mess up the NHL’s record keeping on their computers. Zeroes are assigned for bench penalties in the scoring records system, and individual players would not be credited for any stats if they wore 0 or 00.[/quote]

    Knew that, just wondering why they couldn’t use something else. From post #203: “I’d rather they use 1 in the scoring computers. After all, if you’re playing a team sport, should you really be wearing a 1? Yeah, some guys can pull it off, but it always seemed a bit like bragging to me.”

    Or, could they use 01 in the computers?[/quote]
    Late night brainstorm. If the NHL retired #99 for Wayne Gretzky, could bench minors go to #99 instead of #00? Then goalkeepers could be able to pay tribute to John Davidson.
    (Insert joke about Gretzky and no money here.)

    [quote comment=”359453″][quote comment=”359451″]I understand the struggles with sports analogies comparing things to war, soldiers etc., but Nike is just using the word Combat. Combat does not equal war, combat does not equal military and so on.

    They use combat in terms of martial arts all the time. Boxers are referred to as combatants. Football is combat in a sense a fight between two different teams. I have no problem with Prepare for Combat or calling the unis Pro Combat.

    That is one thing…if Nike were to call them something like Pro War Gear or referred to them as fatigues or used the phrase Prepare for War thats another thing.[/quote]

    And parking a combat vehicle on the Virginia Tech campus?

    Even if we accept the analogy, it doesn’t mean it isn’t a CORNY analogy.

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Do we know if there are vehicles on other campuses? Given Va Tech’s military history it would be strange if they singled out that one to have the ‘combat’ vehicles.

    Even if it is corny to refer to football and sports as combat corny doesn’t mean wrong. One can point out the corniness of it and not condemn someone for the analogy like some have.

    I believe USC will be apart of the Nike Uniform program. The twitter their using to promote the uniforms is following many people from Va. Tech, TCU, and USC.

    Good lord, Nike has gone waaay too far. Being an odd combo Georgia, Miami, and Oregon fan, i get to see all possible parts of the spectrum. every week that Georgia marches to battle (kidding) without funky striping and shoulder junk, i breathe a sigh of relief. it feels like when you’re at a business going through a tough time, and round after round of layoffs swing through and you survive each one……

    its waaay past my bedtime

    [quote comment=”359465″][quote comment=”359446″][quote comment=”359435″][quote comment=”359403″]Okay, NFL and NHL…if you can wear 0 in college hoops, why can’t you guys allow it anymore?
    link

    Nice article about the reason Avery Bradley chose #0 for Texas.

    Couple of guys wearing 0 in the CFL, too.[/quote]

    Zeroes and double-zeroes mess up the NHL’s record keeping on their computers. Zeroes are assigned for bench penalties in the scoring records system, and individual players would not be credited for any stats if they wore 0 or 00.[/quote]

    Knew that, just wondering why they couldn’t use something else. From post #203: “I’d rather they use 1 in the scoring computers. After all, if you’re playing a team sport, should you really be wearing a 1? Yeah, some guys can pull it off, but it always seemed a bit like bragging to me.”

    Or, could they use 01 in the computers?[/quote]
    Late night brainstorm. If the NHL retired #99 for Wayne Gretzky, could bench minors go to #99 instead of #00? Then goalkeepers could be able to pay tribute to John Davidson.
    (Insert joke about Gretzky and no money here.)[/quote]

    That could be something to consider, Mike. However, with the bad PR that the league is suffering over their treatment of Gretzky in the Coyotes’ debacle, I doubt they would entertain the idea at this time. Or anytime soon.

    And I’m sure the NHL PR people don’t want to have to explain to the press why “#99 = bench minor”. Gretzky wasn’t exactly the pugilist that would warrant that “honour”. LOL

    Overall, I don’t think that taking the number 0 or 00 away is that bad… although it was cool to see Davidson and Marty Biron in #00. I don’t know how the NHL’s stats computers view the numbers 0 and 00, but there must be some programming reason for it.

    For math nerds, those numbers don’t exist anyway when talking about positive integers.

    Sadly, UGA is going down that same road, black jerseys one week, then black pants w/black helmet – I’m sure a San Diego St.-like black tops/black pants combo is coming soon – all a pretext to the combat gimmick in time for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl…

    Hey Tom V,

    So, explain, how do we distinguish between all the schools?

    Each has a brand. Whether they’re private, public, or charter … AND whether they’ve hired someone to create it or not.

    E.G.: The “dumpy” school. The “preppy” school. The school in the “hood.” And so forth.

    Not to mention, the design aspect carries across sports to other areas of a school, i.e., the yearbook, the television/radio station, the band, etc.

    My high school had a TV studio … it was WRNS … it had a logo and was “branded” across the microphones, the backdrop, etc.

    Open your mind a bit, my friend.

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