During Sunday’s Bears/Seahawks game, I got about half a dozen e-mails asking about the “extra nipple” on Lovie Smith’s jacket. Nobody could figure out what it was (neither could I), and it didn’t appear to be included on any of the Bears jackets currently available for retail sale.
Yesterday I chatted with a Reebok spokesman, who patiently explained the whole thing:
Uni Watch: So was that a pump on Lovie Smith’s jacket, or an iPod attachment, or what?
Reebok: It’s a pump jacket. It’s not for sale yet — it’s just being wear-tested. Basically, it’s to keep you warmer. The idea is that you inflate the jacket and your body heat warms the air.
UW: Are any teams besides the Bears using it?
RBK: The Buccaneers used it earlier, and I think some others — I’d have to check.
UW: So although my readers and I first noticed it this past Sunday, it had actually debuted a few weeks or even months earlier?
RBK: Yes. I mean, it’s not like it’s being worn all across the sidelines. It’s just been a couple of different guys.
UW: Is it only for extreme cold weather? Or could you also wear it on a moderately chilly day?
RBK: Yeah, sure.
UW: And the user can regulate the amount of air he puts in there?
RBK: Correct. There’s a valve up on the right shoulder, and then the actual pump actuators are in the pocket.
UW: The pump what?
RBK: Actuator.
UW: So you, like, squeeze something with your hand in the pocket?
RBK: Exactly. The pump itself is almost like a grip.
UW: So you stick your hand in –
RBK: — in the pocket, and you can squeeze it up as far as you want it to go.
UW: Just one pocket?
RBK: Both pockets.
UW: So you can just be standing there with your hands in your pockets, talking to someone, or whatever, and meanwhile you could be pumping up the jacket?
RBK: Exactly.
UW: And the little nub is the valve to release the air?
RBK: Yes.
UW: What’s printed above and beneath the valve?
RBK: The half-circle around the top reads “Pressure Release Valve,” and underneath it says “the Pump.”
UW: Is there an official name for this yet?
RBK: It’s officially called the Pump Sideline Jacket. Like I said, it’s just being wear-tested — it won’t retail until later.
UW: “Later” meaning, what, next winter?
RBK: We hope so, yeah.
So there you have it. Inflatable jackets are nothing new, natch (especially if you’ve seen Sleeper), and neither are extra nipples. But those in-pocket pumps are pretty intriguing. Given that most NFL head coaches are total control freaks who are wound tighter than a drum, it’s not hard to imagine some of these guys getting in the habit of reflexively pumping the “actuator” every time there’s an interception or a missed tackle, until they blow up like the Michelin Man. Might give new meaning to the term “blowhard.”
Uni Watch News Ticker: Reggie Bush’s high school team sure wore some killer socks (video clip here, with thanks to Brian Terreson). … Ryan Muraro reports that the Milwaukee Admirals will wear “Hawaiian-themed” jerseys this Friday. Not sure if there are any Uni Watch readers in Hawaii, but let’s all apologize to the whole state, just in case. … Had a good e-mail back-and-forth yesterday with Tyler Kepner, who covers the Yankees for the New York Times. “I used to cover the Seattle Mariners in 1998-99,” he wrote at one point. “One day they just decided to wear their BP top for the games. It was the strangest thing. I remember thinking, ‘Can they do that? Isn’t there some uniform czar to regulate this stuff?’ ” … Back in October, I linked to this page, in which Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said, “We will eventually go back to red, white, and blue [as the team’s colors].” The latest development on that front comes from Washington Post reporter Dan Steinberg, as noted by reader Dan Franko: “In Steinberg’s blog, he says that he was talking to Mystics President Sheila Johnson (the Mystics and Caps are both owned by Ted Leonsis’s Lincoln Holdings, along with part of the Wizards.) She mentions that the Mystics are looking to go “to red white and blue, too,” but that they have to wait until the Caps do it, so the two teams can do it together.” The full blog entry he refers to is here. … Jeremy Brahm, in a rare non-Asian-related contribution, reports that Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who suffered a fractured skull three months ago is returning to action in a rugby helmet (full details here). … According to this article, Chris Webber is wearing No. 84 at the suggestion of “his 6-year-old nephew, who had a dream in which Uncle Chris was wearing that number.” Let’s all be glad six-year-olds can’t count any higher than that.
203 Comments so far
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#1 by Jonathon on 01.17.07 8:33 am | Quote
I think I called it a couple days ago with the Reebok Pump jacket. Of course, I said you could fill it with Bill Belichick’s hot air and keep you warm. Not exactly correct, but pretty darn close.
#2 by J.D. on 01.17.07 8:49 am | Quote
Will the Pump jacket still inflate if a coach cuts off the sleeves?
#3 by Robert on 01.17.07 8:50 am | Quote
I volunteer to be the Uniform Czar for MLB. I will be stern, but fair. Ok, no I won’t. I will be arbitrary and vicious. A “No Pajamas” edict will be the first order issued by my administration.
#4 by Jerry on 01.17.07 8:54 am | Quote
Webber couldn’t wear 4 in Detroit, because that number hangs from the rafters at the Palace. He’s the best player in the city to wear number 84.
#5 by Jerry on 01.17.07 8:56 am | Quote
Robert I agree. Also gloves will be either brown or black. Can’t wait for that orange Jose Mesa glove.
#6 by ryan on 01.17.07 8:56 am | Quote
Is that Joe Dumars with Webber, or Kanye West?
#7 by Richard on 01.17.07 8:59 am | Quote
The only problem with the pump is now you won’t be able to tell whether or not it’s the jacket or the coach in some situations
#8 by Pat on 01.17.07 9:01 am | Quote
Joe Dumars. Kanye would never work for the Pistons. He’s better than that.
#9 by Richard on 01.17.07 9:05 am | Quote
Not ever. Herman Moore takes that cake, though this shot when he was an honorary captain looks horrible.
#10 by Michael Starghill on 01.17.07 9:29 am | Quote
I think Webber is full of it with that 6 year old nephew story. Webber is from Detroit and he’s a huge Tigers fan (he talks about it in Mitch Albom’s book, Fab Five. He also wants to win a championship in his rapidly declining career. The last time the Tigers won a title was in 84…so thats my theory.
#11 by Burrill on 01.17.07 9:33 am | Quote
Thanks, Richard. I, too, was going to revive the memory of Herman Moore. Yet another great athlete (with a pretty good attitude, too) to suffer through a career with the Lions. Without a doubt, I’d give Detroit’s 84 to Moore.
Plus, he’s still involved in the area. He owns several businesses in southeast Michigan.
#12 by BCrisp on 01.17.07 9:33 am | Quote
Thanks for clearing up Lovie’s jacket, I thought it was something like that. As you can see from my guess on Monday: comment 35
#13 by Stuby on 01.17.07 9:43 am | Quote
I wonder if Reebok will make an inflatable suit for Nolan and Del Rio.
I associate weird basketball uni numbers with whack jobs like Rodman, Artest, or Scot Pollard. Is this a sign that Webber has lost his mind?
#14 by tessa on 01.17.07 9:43 am | Quote
I could use one of those jackets today. The heat is out in my side of the building here at work. I am in Harrisburg, PA. It is not warm here. I would love to be in my own little air bubble of warmth.
#15 by Allen Kunt on 01.17.07 9:51 am | Quote
I love how he said “Reggie Bush’s High School”, not Alex Smith’s High School.
#16 by David N on 01.17.07 9:51 am | Quote
I remember the D-Backs wearing their black BP tops with there purple hats for a couple games. Can’t remember exactly when it happened, but I think it was either the ‘03 or ‘04 season. They had been on a losing streak and were trying to change their luck. I cannot find any pics, but I’ll keep trying.
#17 by Scott W on 01.17.07 9:54 am | Quote
Reggie Bush’s high school (Helix HS) is the same one that current Niners QB Alex Smith attended. They were in the same backfield for at least one year, i think two. I’m unsure if it’s Smith in the given picture/video though. He’s wearing #11, so I’m thinkin’ it is.
#18 by Mark in Shiga on 01.17.07 9:55 am | Quote
George Mikan’s no whackjob!
#19 by Scott W on 01.17.07 9:55 am | Quote
No way Allen! You submitted your comment while i was typing mine and watching the highlight video. Haha. It may also be “Alex Smith’s high school,” but it was certainly Reggie Bush’s team. All Smith had to do was hand it to the guy…he took over from there.
#20 by tedkerwin on 01.17.07 10:03 am | Quote
Clearly I have not been visting this sight long enough. I am a Chelsea fan and read the stories on Cech coming back and I was just happy to hear he was coming back and the uni related part of the story never entered my mind.
#21 by Teebz on 01.17.07 10:07 am | Quote
I await Paul’s comments regarding the new NHL jerseys today. Not a picture or a description… but rather his comments.
I’m still peeved at the NHL for their inane “news conference that no one can talk about until we say so” today.
#22 by Pat on 01.17.07 10:09 am | Quote
So Alex Smith was Matt Winchel to Reggie Bush’s Boobie Miles? Well, before Boobie got hurt and screwed up his whole football career by coming back to early.
#23 by Paul Lukas on 01.17.07 10:10 am | Quote
I will not be commenting in any way until Monday at 2pm. That’s the deal I agreed to.
#24 by JJD on 01.17.07 10:11 am | Quote
More like, “pay attention to ME!”
Interesting uni-related Beckham comment from Grant Wahl on SI.com. I know a lot of the MLS kit are being redone but are they all being redone?
2. Why should fans hold off buying a green-and-gold Galaxy jersey with Beckham’s name on the back?
Simple answer: because Becks will never wear green and gold with the Galaxy. The team is deep into the process of rebranding itself with new colors, a new shield and new uniforms. “We made a decision that it was time to start thinking through how we create a more worldly brand,” Lewieke says. “We have a good name. Galaxy works. But we need a more legendary, traditional kind of look that’s more of a soccer look.”
#25 by Jason on 01.17.07 10:14 am | Quote
Wow, the Admirals found the only possible way to make that logo worse. Put it on a surfboard with flowery colors. Please, make them stop!
#26 by Richard on 01.17.07 10:14 am | Quote
aren’t most of them being redone because Adidas changed their kit designs as Paul mentioned last week? The Galaxy might redesign their logo and team colors, but something tells me they’ll use one of the new Adidas kit templates.
#27 by Jason on 01.17.07 10:16 am | Quote
Also, is this the first time we’ve had animation in the lead story? Pretty sweet!
#28 by TBDRO on 01.17.07 10:20 am | Quote
I take it there won’t be any pictures taken at todays NHL uniform press conference?
I still can’t believe nothing leaked and no word on major/minor logo or design changes.
#29 by Paul Lukas on 01.17.07 10:26 am | Quote
I don’t know if there will be professional photographers there; I do know that I was told that I would not be permitted to take photos, not even just for my own reference.
I was waiting for someone to mention that! Looks great, no? I was just lucky enough to stumble upon that animated gif file.
#30 by Teebz on 01.17.07 10:30 am | Quote
I would never ask you to risk your journalistic credibility by doing something you can’t, Paul. I have more respect for what you do than that.
I’m simply trying to release my frustration over this entire debacle.
#31 by Kim on 01.17.07 10:33 am | Quote
Yeah, it’s likely that they’ll use a new design if they re-do their look.
#32 by Anthony Verna on 01.17.07 10:34 am | Quote
Give Reebok credit for continuing to use “the pump” in various new ways.
THE PUMP is a registered trademark in the USA - No. 1943292. (I just looked it up.)
#33 by Paul Lukas on 01.17.07 10:35 am | Quote
I hear ya. I was just making it clear (to everyone, not just to you) that I won’t be able to discuss what goes on today. I should have an ESPN column running promptly at 2pm on Monday, however.
#34 by Banker Bill on 01.17.07 10:40 am | Quote
Geez, I thought it was unique. No worse than the “Pink for Breast Cancer” thing - admit it - how hot would it be to see a woman in that jersey with a flowery bikini underneath?
#35 by Banker Bill on 01.17.07 10:43 am | Quote
Then I shall be at the ESPN website at 1:59 hitting refresh until I see it. I am really anxious to see these.
I second the animation kudos by the way - lovin it!
#36 by Matthew H on 01.17.07 10:54 am | Quote
Pretty decent article on what’s coming from the NHL/Reebok:
http://news.yahoo.co...
#37 by todd krevanchi on 01.17.07 10:54 am | Quote
or bill walton’s.
#38 by Rich Bruns on 01.17.07 10:57 am | Quote
Not to be a jerk to Jeremy Brahm or anything. But regarding Petr Cech’s headgear… check out the third comment from Sunday, January 7, it appears that he’s trying out a few different styles of headgear.
#39 by Pat on 01.17.07 10:59 am | Quote
Yep, that’s Alex Smith (11) doing what he did best in high school, hand the ball to Reggie.
#40 by Ian K on 01.17.07 11:01 am | Quote
I was really hoping that Helix High School somehow incorporated a double helix into their sock design.
#41 by Mike on 01.17.07 11:02 am | Quote
Interesting article here… towards the bottom it says that part of Lyle Overbays extension with the Jays was him getting the number 17. Seems like kind of a tongue-in-cheek comment, but interesting still.
#42 by Miguel on 01.17.07 11:05 am | Quote
I wonder why they would test the Pump on a “midweight” jacket, rather than a heaveyweight jacket.
As an aside, I don’t normally like anything Weebok, but these are my favorite Pumps of all time.
#43 by Allan Chandler on 01.17.07 11:06 am | Quote
Had a good e-mail back-and-forth yesterday with Tyler Kepner, who covers the Yankees for the New York Times. “I used to cover the Seattle Mariners in 1998-99,†he wrote at one point. “One day they just decided to wear their BP top for the games. It was the strangest thing. I remember thinking, ‘Can they do that? Isn’t there some uniform czar to regulate this stuff?’ â€
Back in September of 1983, the Reds were playing the Giants at Candlestick park, wearing not their road grays, but a red version of that jersey. The announcers said that the red jersey would be the Reds’ road jersey the next season. That didn’t happen, but it was kind of curious as to why the Reds chose to pick a September game in SF to try out a new uniform choice.
#44 by Bob on 01.17.07 11:16 am | Quote
Wow. The above link to the Yahoo! News story concerning the new NHL threads is a good one.
A few points:
First, the article says that the fit will not be as tight as that of the Olympic jerseys worn last winter. While that’s good news, I didn’t think the Olympic jerseys were that tight. In fact, I was expecting something tighter from Reebok.
Additionally, as we’ve sort of touched on before, baggy uniforms have really just become popular in the past ten years or so. Before that, NHLers wore their sweaters fairly tight. So long as the NHL doesn’t mandate a tuck-in, which they won’t, and they allow teams to use their current sweater designs, as much of a traditionalist as I am, I suppose I would give the change a “thumb’s up.” If, however, the NHL forces teams to use Buffalo Sabre-like or Anaheim Duck-like designs, I’m moving to Ontario and making the OHL my new NHL.
Is there still hope that my beloved (and hated) Blackhawks will have the same sweater striping next year that they’ve had for the last 40 years?
Also, here’s a question only this group could answer: two and a half seasons removed from Boston, Nomar Garciaparra continues to wear black and red batting gloves and wrist bands. In late 2004, after the trade to the Cubs, he even wore black shoes instead of the Cubs’ blue. Does anybody know what gives?
#45 by Mike on 01.17.07 11:20 am | Quote
I don’t think I’ll ever really beleive that these new uniforms aren’t constricting until I get a chance to wear one myself. Obviously I haven’t seen the final product, and the players say its not as bad as the original concept (then again, they were told what they are and aren’t allowed to say about them) but every player brings up the tightness of them, even if its to say ‘its not so bad’, they still bring it up. They’ve only worn them for a practice or two, it’ll be interesting to see their opinions after wearing them for a real game first, and then a whole season. Unless there is a big improvement for the players, this all seems like a waste of time and money to me. To change the design of something that has worked for at least a few decades seems frivilous to me.
One more comment on the new jerseys, what levels will be wearing them… if they are more custom fit and tight, they’ll never work at the minor hockey level where the same uniforms are used by teams for years. That means one more thing players will have to get used to as they move up to the CHL/NHL/College/who knows.
#46 by Hoss on 01.17.07 11:21 am | Quote
Seems odd that the Galaxy would change their color scheme to match the old San Jose Earthquakes. If MLS ever put an expansion franchise back in San Jose, I’d imagine they would try and use the same colors and name as before the team moved to Houston.
#47 by Mike on 01.17.07 11:25 am | Quote
One more thing I forgot to add to my last comment, which is kind of obvious if you think about…
These are Reebok jerseys, so only Reebok leagues will be able to wear them (which includes the OHL I know for sure, no clue about anywhere else). And what happens when reebok loses the NHL contract? Do we go through this entire process again with Bauer-Nike (or whoever)?
#48 by todd krevanchi on 01.17.07 11:37 am |