A Helmet for the Ages

short post today

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.

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.

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

Very cool vintage Hartford Whalers jacket on ebay link

Florida State so far with best Rivalry Uni…

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

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.

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=”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

To Jay Danbom (creator of the DSU memorial ribbon) – please get in touch w/ me at:

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”.

On Nike’s uniforms for next week, Ren and Stimpy’s Horse just contacted me via e-mail:

“No sir. I don’t like ’em.”

That is all.

… 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.

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.

[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!

Nice photo of Jim Brown with Dennis Quaid.

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

That Big Ben feed is utterly brilliant.

[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

Am I the only weirdo who looked at those Jesuit cross-country runners and thought of link?

Regehr has worn the NHL logo. It’s link.

Because he normally ties his lace-up collar tight, it’s link.

Regehr had no issues link, however.

[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.

Beefsteak, eh? I’m more of a milksteak fan myself.

[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

Florida: Finish the Mission

How about finish the rhyme?

[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

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

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=”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 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=\”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=”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

[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=”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.

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.

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 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

“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=”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 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 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…

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=”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

Oh, and link almost makes me want to cry. (Although I do prefer the way the new wordmark looks.)

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=”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=”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.

[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.

“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=”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

*take a “lesson”…damn wireless keyboard

[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?

Great article on the bball unis. I LOVE the new ND court design. That’ll look great on TV.

[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

“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.

[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.

“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

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=”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.

[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 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?

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]

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.

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

NTTAWWT

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

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

[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“

“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 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.

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

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 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).

And Tech should have to wear the exposed biker shorts with their retro unis.

link

[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 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.

[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.

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.

Here in D.C., link is not just for the birds … erm … Nats.

[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=”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.

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=”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=”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]

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=”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.

[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]

[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.

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=”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.

[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=”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 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.

[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?

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.

Hurricane Isiah moves into North Carolina tonight.

link

[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

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

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=”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.

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?

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.

BRIGHT orange shoes on the Broncos WR Marshall. I mean, day-glo.

i could be wrong…but i think nike might have a different kind of combat in mind with these unis

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 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.

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 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=”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=”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.)

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

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.