First and foremost: The site is finally back in business. Full archives, full comment functionality, full everything. For further details, look here. Many thanks for your patience during the hassles of the past week.
Meanwhile: The Mets wore their first responder caps last night, as has been their longstanding custom on September 11th. All other teams wore American flag cap patches (although, as usual, there were a few players whose caps were flag-free), and the Blue Jays went a step further by wearing the American flag on one side and the Canadian flag on the other.
And that leads us back, in a roundabout way, to something that first popped up on Monday, when I suggested it might have been inappropriate for LaDainian Tomlinson to run around waving the stars and stripes prior to Sunday’s Chargers/Bears game. I’ll have more to say about that later on in this post. But before I get to that, here’s an irony: You know how all NFL helmets have an American flag decal on the back? In the Chargers’ case it’s positioned near the back tip of the right bolt (which it sometimes overlaps). But it turns out that one Charger didn’t wear a flag decal on Sunday. Care to guess who it was? That’s right: LaDainian Tomlinson.
LT didn’t play during the preseason, but I did find this shot from a July 30th practice session — no flag, but also no NFL logo, so maybe they just hadn’t added all the little details so early in training camp. Tomlinson did wear the NFL logo on Sunday, however — but not the flag. He appears to have worn the flag throughout last season, as seen here, here, here, here, and here, so I assume this was just an oversight, not a conscious statement of any kind.
I’m not sure the same can be said, however, for Willie Parker of the Steelers, whose helmet has been flag-free since last season. Look at pics of Parker from last season or this season (that shot is from a preseason game) and you’ll see no flag. But if you look at pre-2006 photos, you’ll see that Parker used to be flag-clad (and that includes his appearance in Super Bowl XL).
This raises several questions, only some of which I can answer:
• Why did Parker stop wearing the flag? Not sure. I have a call in to the Steelers, but I have a feeling I won’t get a straight answer out of them because just about any answer is bound to stir up controversy.
• Even if he wants to stop wearing the flag, it’s part of the uniform, so shouldn’t he have to wear it? You’d think so, yeah. I’ve asked the NFL to clarify whether the flag decal is officially part of the uniform or if it’s a non-mandatory accessory. Will advise.
• Why do NFL helmets have flag decals to begin with? To my knowledge, the first appearance of flag decals in the NFL was in Super Bowl XXV, when the Giants and Bills wore them to show support for U.S. troops in the Gulf War. The flags were gone the following season but reappeared in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks. The other major sports made post-9/11 flag gestures as well, but only for one season (or, in MLB’s case, the balance of the season that was already in progress). Only the NFL retained the flag on a full-time basis the following year, and they’ve kept it there ever since.
• Well, we’re still at war, so why not still wear the flag? There is indeed a tradition of sports teams wearing flags or flag-inspired imagery during wartime. This dates back at least to World War I, when baseball teams wore flag patches, flag-inspired shields, red/white/blue armbands, and even red/white/blue stockings.
That said, the flags that began appearing on uniforms in 2001 weren’t about war per se — they were to commemorate those who died on 9/11. (Remember, the Iraq War didn’t start until 2003.) That’s why most sports only kept them for one year. Some might argue that we’re still engaged in the “war on terror,” but that’s really more of a political term than a military one. While the threat it refers to is real, it’s a threat (and, hence, a “war”) that is likely to extend throughout our lifetimes and beyond. It renders the concept of wartime — and signifiers thereof, including flag decals — meaningless.
• Isn’t it wrong to wear a flag on a sports uniform anyway? Arguably, yes. According to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, §176(j): “No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.” The first sentence is vague, because it says the flag shouldn’t be used as a uniform, not on on a uniform. But the list of acceptable uni applications in the next sentence pointedly excludes sports. In any case, this isn’t binding law — it’s just official etiquette. And we’ve all seen how often that etiquette has been ignored.
Now then, about LT waving that flag during the pregame ceremonies: I want to make it clear that I love the American flag — always have, ever since I was a kid. Gorgeous piece of design, lovely symbolism. I had one displayed in my window for months after 9/11, I always have one displayed on Independence Day, and for years I had an old 48-star version that I used as a backdrop in a display case (I later sold it at a stoop sale because I thought someone else should get to enjoy it). My concern regarding Tomlinson’s antics was the context. Pregame introductions are pretty much designed to get the home crowd whipped up in an us-vs.-them frenzy. And if “us” is carrying an American flag, where does that leave “them”? By using the flag, I thought Tomlinson was essentially appropriating the concept of patriotism in a way that the visiting team — in this case, the Bears — couldn’t realistically hope to match or answer. The implicit message was, “Our team is representing America, which means the other team isn’t,” which crosses the line into poor sportsmanship and being a bad host. Or at least that’s how it felt to me. I would’ve preferred to see Tomlinson waving a Chargers flag, or a San Diego flag, or something that was more team-specific, instead of essentially taking home-field ownership of something that rightly belonged to both teams.
Finally, some of the comments about this issue back on Monday mentioned the playing of the national anthem before games. It may surprise you to learn that this ritual is a relatively recent phenomenon. I was surprised to learn this myself back in 2001, when I was researching an article about “God Bless America” being played at ballparks in the aftermath of 9/11. Here’s the pertinent section of the piece I wrote back then:
The tradition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” being played prior to every game may seem eternal, but keep in mind that the tune wasn’t even officially adopted as the national anthem until the 1930s. According to James Charlton’s The Baseball Chronology, the first instance of the song being played at a ballgame was on May 15th, 1862 — during the Civil War — at Union Grounds in Brooklyn. Over 50 years later, during World War I, a military band played the tune during the 7th-inning stretch of a 1918 World Series game. “From then on,” reports the Chronology, “the song [was] played at every World Series game, every season opener, and, whenever a band [was] present to play it.”
Playing the anthem didn’t become more the rule than the exception until World War II, when public-address systems — which were installed at stadiums in part for civil defense reasons during the war — became sufficiently widespread to enable recorded versions to be played. Even then, there were some holdouts — as recently as the mid-1960s, the Cubs only played the anthem on special holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, because team owner P.K. Wrigley felt that playing the song at each game effectively trivialized it. And Royals owner Ewing Kaufman cited a similar rationale in 1972, when he ordered that the anthem only be played “on Sundays and special occasions,” because it “was not receiving the respect it deserved.” Public reaction, however, was highly negative, and Kaufman quickly relented.
Six years after I wrote that, it’s hard not to see the growing parallel between the sports-related use of the anthem and the uni-related use of the flag, both of which have gone from the very occasional to the much more commonplace. Some may think this is a good thing; others may disagree. But the similarities are striking.
Flight of the Bumblebee Nine, Continued: Yesterday’s entry about the flying Alabama helmet numeral prompted some interesting follow-up contributions. For starters, Doug Simpson found another photo of the play in question. At first I didn’t see the airborne 9, but that’s because I wasn’t looking high enough — it’s right in front of the receiver’s left hand.
Then Wade Harder, who had brought the situation to my attention in the first place, checked in with some additional info: “I was able to watch a replay of the play. The decal flew off in a helicopter motion with a good amount of speed and landed about four yards away from Johnson. He was completely unaware of the mishap as he got off the ground and just trotted back to the huddle.”
Uni Watch News Ticker: This quiz was practically made for Uni Watch readers (with thanks to Allie Hinderstein). … I can’t find a good photo, but Vince has noted that USF is wearing a pair of memorial decals. Details here. … Another kicker who wears a wedding band: Rian Lindell. … Tim Sheehan got some nice pics of a vintage Portland Beavers jersey. … Attention Minna H. Your worst nightmare is here, here, and here. … Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: Nice survey of Maple Leafs uni history here. … Jeremy Brahm just informed me of something called the Golden Players Club, which is reserved for players who have 2,000 hits, 250 saves, or 200 wins in Japan. Members get a blazer (lots of additional pics on the four pages that begin here). … Intern Vince Grzegorek, increasingly flexing his journalistic muscles beyond the realm of the uni-centric, has a pair of Cleveland Scene sports blog entries here and here. … Douglas Brei and I would both like to know who the dark-uniformed team is in this photo. … Apparently PTI didn’t get the memo explaining that the new NFL logo isn’t supposed to be used until next year (with thanks to Jason Farmand). … Switzerland’s socks look like upside-down stirrups (thanks, Vince). … According to this video clip, wearing the visiting team’s cap to a ballgame can increase your chances of going home with a baseball (credit Vince yet again). … You’ve heard of throwback uniforms? Here in New York we had a throwback subway the other day. … Latest Bengals uni-related problem: Bryan Robinson’s sleeve stripes appeared to be peeling off on Monday night (good spot by Scott Yager). … Justin Tokarczyk notes that Andy Reid was wearing last year’s headset on Sunday. … Esteban Loaiza wore solid stockings for his Dodgers debut last week, but he must have asked the equipment manager for some stirrups, because that’s what he was wearing last night (good catch by Ros Yoshida). … Several readers have noted that the Cardinals’ coaching staff wears a logo that faces one way on the cap and the other way on the jacket.
#1 by Chris on 09.12.07 9:05 am |
It looks like a bastardized version of the Colorado Rockies dark uni.
#2 by Chris on 09.12.07 9:06 am |
Sorry, omitted the link. Link
#3 by Joe Drennan on 09.12.07 9:09 am |
The B&W photo of the Habs appears to have a Russian team as the opponent. I’m a little young to know the specifics, but I do know the before Communism fell in Russia (and it appears on it’s way back in) Russian teams would visit and play NHL teams in exhibitions during the season as a way to showcase their talent and their beliefe that they were suprior.
#4 by Matt on 09.12.07 9:10 am |
I looked for pictures of the USF helmet stickers, but couldn’t find a good shot. As a student I will have a chance to take pictures next game.
Also Paul, I mentioned this before. You are a New Yorker where the real LT played, Lawrence Taylor, and you call Ladanian Tomlinson LT. Forshame, forshame.
#5 by John livewell on 09.12.07 9:12 am |
From the Article: “Douglas Brei and I would both like to know who the dark-uniformed team is in this photo. “
That’s the Colorado Rockies, 1976-1982…then they became the NJ Devils.
#6 by Guillaume on 09.12.07 9:12 am |
The team playing against Montreal is the Moscow Spartak
#7 by John livewell on 09.12.07 9:13 am |
Here is a Wikipedia link to the Rockies..
http://en.wikipedia....(NHL)
#8 by =bg= on 09.12.07 9:14 am |
Apologies if this has been posted: ranking the NFL uniforms on Fox:
http://community.fox...
#9 by John Livewell on 09.12.07 9:14 am |
Sprry Try this one…
http://en.wikipedia....
#10 by DJ on 09.12.07 9:15 am |
Douglas Brei and I would both like to know who the dark-uniformed team is in this photo
I think it’s Spartak Moscow. That’s the current logo of the Spartak soccer team (except it has a soccer ball inside the Cyrillic “C”), but the current Spartak hockey club logo has two hockey sticks in it, and not the slash.
#11 by Fred on 09.12.07 9:18 am |
Colorado Rockies?
As far as the flag…how did you feel when George Teague ran out with the American flag after 9/11/01? It was stirring. I don’t find anything wrong with what LT did.
#12 by Sean D. on 09.12.07 9:19 am |
I believe the dark uniformed team playing the Canadiens in the hockey photo is the Colorado Rockies. They were only in the league in the late 70s - early 80s.
#13 by zorro on 09.12.07 9:21 am |
Paul,
Sorry, but you’re completely wrong about the Tomlinson flag thing. I really don’t think that many people at all would make the stretch to say that one team carrying the flag makes the other team less patriotic. Nobody expects that a visiting team should travel with a large American flag to wave just in case. It’s completely reasonable that a member of the home team would wave a flag (especially when the home team is in a big military town) on opening day just a couple days before 9/11. I seriously doubt that anyone saw that and said, “You know, I’m going to cheer for the Chargers now, because obviously they’re so much more patriotic than the Bears.”
Besides, couldn’t you say exactly the same thing about the Mets wearing first responder caps? By wearing them, are they giving the impression that they care more about 9/11 than the other teams?
Or what about you displaying a flag in your window after 9/11? Were you trying to give the impression that you cared more about America than your neighbor?
Sorry, Paul, I just don’t buy your “us” and “them” argument.
#14 by johnt on 09.12.07 9:22 am |
Dark uni hockey team
http://cdn.nhl.com/c...
I think that this is the Old Colorado Rockies of the NHL, the logo seems to match
http://www.sportslog...
(Thanks Chris)
#15 by Michael B on 09.12.07 9:24 am |
“Douglas Brei and I would both like to know who the dark-uniformed team is in this photo.”
I think it is some variation of teh Colorado Rockies…if you check out their jersey logo here you can see it is very similar, what with teh C and the stripes
#16 by Paul Lukas on 09.12.07 9:24 am |
Just testing all the comment buttons.
#17 by DrBear on 09.12.07 9:24 am |
Don’t know for sure - and I’m not sure - but that might be some sort of Junior Canadiens - a junior team owned or supported by the big club - playing one of their games. I know we used to get lower-level Maple Leafs games on TV here, with teams dressed like the Leafs and playing in Maple Leaf Gardens. Again, this is just a guess.
#18 by Ian on 09.12.07 9:25 am |
My big issue with the “God Bless America” at MLB games is that it removes the significance of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”. At Yankee Stadium, they show the words to GBA on the screen, but not for TMOTTBG. You see more and more people sitting down and not participating in singing TMOTTBG. However, I LOVE Bob Sheppard’s pre-God Bless America speech, and I hope they play that even after he one day is no longer there.
And one thing that was ignored by the media when Roger Clemens made his announcement to return to the Yankees, was that the team stopped TMOTTBG mid-song, and didn’t restart it after the announcement…
#19 by Scott on 09.12.07 9:26 am |
Apparently LSU will be wearing a special uniform combo against Tulane on September 29. Instead of this, the team will be wearing white helmets seen here along with purple jerseys and white pants. The helmet is supposedly the same one which was worn in the 1997 Independance bowl. A good photoshopped version of what the uni could possibly look like can be seen here. This site is also good for seeing some amateur views on the uni subject. As a lifelong tiger fan and an avid UniWatch reader, I have to say that I am pretty excited. I love our normal unis and don’t want to see them changed to something akin to Oregon, but a little change for one game will be quite refreshing.
#20 by Shaeff on 09.12.07 9:27 am |
I’ve noticed a preponderance of NFL lineman this year whose sleeves do not cover their shoulder pad caps… Is this a function of the exceptionally short sleeves not doing their job or the player making a (surely rules violating) choice??
#21 by al on 09.12.07 9:27 am |
New NFL logo on PTI actually does not look so bad.
#22 by Michael B on 09.12.07 9:27 am |
Larger Logo
and an Alternate Logo Shown here
#23 by Guillaume on 09.12.07 9:29 am |
Moscow Spartak Website
#24 by Bryan Barich on 09.12.07 9:30 am |
Im guessing that the uni in the hockey photo might be some sort of variation of the ColoradoRockies but I could be wrong.
#25 by Matt B on 09.12.07 9:31 am |
The problem with patriotic displays is that they’re like a ratchet — motion is only allowed in one direction. Stop playing “GBA” and you hate America, remove a decal and you don’t support the troops, etc.
It’s so freakin’ annoying.
Column request: Women’s World Cup. There are only 16 teams so it’s not as much work as the Men’s operation…
#26 by Jason G. on 09.12.07 9:35 am |
What hockey teams have jersey unveilings today? If I recall corectly the list Teebz posted the other day had at least one team scheduled to unveil today. Unfortunately, the list has been lost in the shuffle.
#27 by Terri on 09.12.07 9:35 am |
Not at all uni related, but- damn.
#28 by Cullan on 09.12.07 9:36 am |
The unknown hocky team looks like it may be the Colorado Rockies possibly a variation of this.
…
#29 by Nick Maibroda on 09.12.07 9:37 am |
Regarding the dark jersey: I am 90% sure that it belongs to the Spartak Moscow who played games against NHL teams in 1978 according to wiki.
Here’s a link to the team’s current logo. The team also has a history of international competition.
#30 by Rich on 09.12.07 9:37 am |
I was thinking Rockies as well based on the C in the logo. My memory of the logo (I guess later) was the C within a mountain. Great use of the CO st flag for the logo and uni colors.
#31 by Vince Grzegorek on 09.12.07 9:39 am |
http://www.youtube.c...
I still disagree with Paul about the whole LT flag thing, but this example kind of reminds me of a similar (albeit fake) situation that makes me lean towards his side a little.
That being said, the WWE is clearly fake and Hulk was a character with an agenda. I don’t think that was the case with LT.
#32 by Al Mattei on 09.12.07 9:39 am |
That hockey team in the photo was Moscow Spartak.
http://www.futsalpla...
This logo may help.
#33 by Scott on 09.12.07 9:40 am |
By the way, Paul, thanks for getting the site back up. Classes haven’t been the same without it. I also have some more observations about LSU that I need to get off my chest. It seems that every player uses the low strap hookup. For some reason I’m finding it hard to put links in here, so if you all don’t mind doing some research, you will clearly see that EVERY PLAYER, save those who wear Revolution helmets have the low hook up. The only time a player has a high hookup is when they have the 6 point strap hook up. PLEASE, someone check this out, its been in my head for so long. I hate that I can’t link the photos because I had some really good examples. Anyway, I have no idea why, maybe some team rule or something, but I have no idea what the reasoning is, maybe keeps the helmet tighter? I don’t know, anyway I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on the subject.
#34 by cheechoo on 09.12.07 9:41 am |
Paul I think the dark uniformed hockey team playing the Habs could be Moscow Dynamo or another Russian pro team from their tour of the NHL in the mid-70’s.
#35 by Luke on 09.12.07 9:41 am |
Great point on the LT - Flag issue. I had originally suggested both teams could bring out a flag. But then fans can’t really boo the opposing team because it looks like you’re booing America.
#36 by Joe Drennan on 09.12.07 9:42 am |
I don’t think it’s the Rockies as their crest had the “C”, but with a mountain in the background as seen on http://nhluniforms.c... in the early 1980s.
#37 by Jim on 09.12.07 9:45 am |
If you go to nhluniforms.com and look at the late 70’s, early 80’s you’ll see the Colorado Rockies uni’s didn’t look like that. But maybee it was a ‘One and Done’ uni everyone missed in the recent article?
#38 by al on 09.12.07 9:45 am |
also, thanks to cnn.com, cool shots of sports 25 yrs ago: http://sportsillustr...
sure does make one feel old.
#39 by Jim on 09.12.07 9:51 am |
Wow, adidas has really stretched itself creatively in the Womens’ World Cup.
I’ve seen bits of four games while doing my morning channel-surf, and over half the teams I’ve seen are wearing the same uniform template. (It’s the one worn by the Houston Dynamo in MLS, for those who pay attention to such things.)
#40 by Paul Lukas on 09.12.07 9:52 am |
9/11 happened in New York. The Mets are a New York team. The caps they wear are for New York agencies (NYPD, FDNY, etc.).
#41 by Robert on 09.12.07 9:53 am |
“Stoop sale.” New York does intrigue me so. I guess that it’s like a garage sale or yard sale, but without the garage or the yard. I imagine there being hooligans who would run off with the items for sale, like the “Seinfeld” episode where the, uh, thugs took Elaine’s armoir?
#42 by GregW on 09.12.07 9:57 am |
Here’s a 2001 Spartak jersey. Looks like we have a winner.
#43 by GregW on 09.12.07 9:58 am |
http://hockeyground....
#44 by Chi-town Joe on 09.12.07 9:58 am |
Not to take this too off topic but anyone prefer America the Beautiful over God Bless America?
#45 by neal s on 09.12.07 9:59 am |
9/11 happened in New York.
And DC, and Pennsylvania, and everywhere where people had TV and radio that day.
I mean no disrespect, Paul, just pointing it out. I personally think the whole patritotism/sports uniform matrix is tired no matter what form it takes.
#46 by Kenny on 09.12.07 10:00 am |
Why is he wearing white after Labor Day?
#47 by Ben on 09.12.07 10:02 am |
You’ve got to be kiddin me…the guy works as a meat cutter at Sam’s?? Oh, the irony/millions of steers finally exact a small measure of revenge.
#48 by Tom Carlson on 09.12.07 10:03 am |
I think the Montreal player pictured is Jaque Lemaire. Current coach of the Minnesota Wild.
Email him. maybe he will remember.
Wild.com
Jacques Lemaire
#49 by Paul Lukas on 09.12.07 10:05 am |
No offense taken. Valid points, all.
#50 by nomuskles on 09.12.07 10:09 am |
9/11 also happened in DC.
Great work on getting the site up and running again.
#51 by nomuskles on 09.12.07 10:10 am |
and Pennsylvania. And those that died came from everywhere.
#52 by Ben on 09.12.07 10:12 am |
As a Chargers fan my opinion may be a bit biased, but I don’t mind LT carrying the flag out as much as I do the histrionics…Just run it out/ the jumping around was a bit much/ but I agree with a previous comment, San Diego is home to a large military contingent nad this may have been the teams way to honor them on Opening Day. As for the flag on his helmet, maybe he got “bama’ed”..the Bears were definitely hitting hard enough to rattle teeth and dislodge decals.
#53 by Chris on 09.12.07 10:14 am |
Looking at that photo again — and zooming and enhancing and squinting — there’s a serif on the C, definitely.
I’ve conceded to the Spartak crowd — thought I can’t seem to find a Spartak uniform like that one. Logo’s a match, though.
#54 by Jim on 09.12.07 10:15 am |
The Toronto Maple Leafs are releasing their Jersey today. Around 3pm EST I think…….
#55 by Miguel on 09.12.07 10:21 am |
What happened to the full text feed for this site? I swear I got some yesterday!
#56 by shadoquad on 09.12.07 10:22 am |
Those vintage Portland jerseys are gorgeous beyond belief, and those Cardinals coach photos look absolutely silly with the logos facing opposite directions.
#57 by Bruce on 09.12.07 10:24 am |
Didn’t they wear gold jerseys for the 97 Independence Bowl?
#58 by Marty Met on 09.12.07 10:25 am |
Definately is Moscow Spartak
Spartak played against the Canadiens in the Superseries ‘77 ‘78
#59 by Eric S. on 09.12.07 10:30 am |
Two things.
First, you guys keep linking to stuff about the Colorado Rockies, and nowhere in any of those links are they wearing uniforms that look like that.
Second, did you really think you needed to explain to people who post on this board that there used to be a hockey team called the Colorado Rockies?
#60 by Roger Faso on 09.12.07 10:31 am |
I agree with Paul about the flag. It’s like when a player wants to thank God after winning a game. (I already know that some thank God for giving them the talent and ability … blah blah blah.) A lot of players thank God for helping them win. As if the other team was full of athiests and satanists and God didn’t look kindly upon them that day. God wanted to see them humiliated.
#61 by Keith on 09.12.07 10:33 am |
I listen to WOXY at work (cool indie rock type station)…anyway today the morning DJ was wearing this jersey.
i wrote him an email to ask him where he got it, what it was, etc. he wrote back saying he didn’t know what it was, but he found it at goodwill. what an awesome find at Goodwill.
anyone know what it is? there doesn’t appear to be a name/number on the back, but it does have a “NY” stitched on the left arm sleeve.
#62 by Jeff on 09.12.07 10:33 am |
This is truly the most ignorant thing I have ever read. It’s also exactly what I would expect from most New Yorkers. The arrogance of that city, and really that whole region is disgusting. It is the reason that I, and much of so called “fly over country”, hate the entire northeast portion of our country.
#63 by nybatt on 09.12.07 10:35 am |
interesting the flag-on-the-helmet issue surfaced here today. I was SKEWERED on cris creamer’s board for bringing up willie parker’s absence of flag. I stated that it upset me he didnt’ have it on his helmet and I was lambasted; accused of many things, mostly political… when my post had no political angle whatsoever and still does not. I have never read so many opinions critical and nasty of patriotism.
before tomlinson was flag-less on sunday, parker was 1 out of 1,696 players in the NFL not wearing one.
the vitriol that followed was an eye-opening experience… and disturbing.
so be careful where you tread!!
#64 by Joe Drennan on 09.12.07 10:36 am |
I don’t hate the North East, I just hate the North East bias in the media because that’s where the big offices are located and they think news only happens there. Look no further than how “big” the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry is, yet the Cubs Cardinals rivalry never gets mentioned.
#65 by Anthony on 09.12.07 10:37 am |
Lukas, I expect to see pictures of stirrup clad Ian Kennedy after his start tommorow night.
#66 by Roger Faso on 09.12.07 10:37 am |
A clarification on the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, §176(j): “No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.”
I was in the Army and was given a very specific lesson on wearing the flag.
Patches and images of the flag on apparel are all good. Wearing a flag is disrepectful and wrong. As is cutting up a flag to use as material for an outfit, or an outfit designed to look like it was made from parts of a flag.
This is wrong.
This is terribly wrong.
So is this.
#67 by Paul Lukas on 09.12.07 10:38 am |
My favorite city is Milwaukee. My favorite state is Wisconsin. My favorite part of the country is the Great Lakes region, followed by the Deep South. Please save your generalities for someone else.
#68 by Orange and Blue on 09.12.07 10:39 am |
#62, Jeff…
I don’t agree with Paul on the Tomlinson flag issue, but calm yourself down. Your post is inappropriate. You’re embarassing yourself.
#69 by Rich on 09.12.07 10:43 am |
I like the notion of teams carrying a city flag- if only because it would encourage the Bears to bring out the truly excellent Chicago flag (which I fondly remember making a brief appearance on the back of White Sox batting helmets several years ago).
#70 by Proud Canuck on 09.12.07 10:46 am |
Long-time hockey watchers will remember the years when Russian teams – Spartak, Dynamo, et al – would visit NHL teams for exhibition games.
Uniwatchers looking for clues as to the identity of the team can start with:
• Paul’s personal favorite – the sock striping, which was common among Russian teams in that era;
• the goalie’s helmet/cage combo. Helmet type (Jofa? Koho? My memory fades…) was another Russian standard and the cage did not become common in North America until our goalies started to notice fewer facial scars on their Euro counterparts;
• the goal number (24). Again, an unconventional goalie number that we’d see on Russians at a time when our goals wore only 1 or 30 and occasionally a 29, 31, or 35.
Those are the biggies. Hope that helps.
#71 by Roger Faso on 09.12.07 10:48 am |
This is okay.
This is not okay.
If you look at Magic at the end of the line, in this pic. He draped a flag over his shoulder to cover the logo of the apparel manufacturer that he was not affiliated with. Draping yourself in a flag is a big no no. So is handling it like this.
There is flag protocol and etiquette taught to most service men. For example, flags are never thrown away. The stars are removed and then the flag burned (of all things.)
#72 by Chance on 09.12.07 10:49 am |
As a New Yorker, I do find the “first responder” caps to be crass. Didn’t like them in 2001, but at least I understood what they were trying to do. Now that it’s a regular tradition, it seems even more crass to me.
#73 by 9/9 on 09.12.07 10:54 am |
Paul didn’t offend me. Thanks for speaking for the rest of us…
#74 by DJ on 09.12.07 10:54 am |
Jeff on 09.12.07 10:41 am | Quote
Your arrogance astounds me. Today is my last day reading your site sir.
Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
#75 by Chance on 09.12.07 10:55 am |
When you question the patriotism of a player for not wearing a sticker on his helmet, you ought to expect a strong response.
#76 by Randy Miller on 09.12.07 10:55 am |
Here’s a shot of the USF memorial stickers from the SouthFloridaBulls TheBullspen.com website:
#77 by Joe Drennan on 09.12.07 10:57 am |
9/11 is an emotional subject for us all reguardless where we come from. Patriotism is different for everybody, and I relate it to religion because of that. Therefore, like we do with other people’s religion, we need to respect their views on patriotism if not for them, but for the brave men and women who have/are fightinig to defend our freedom.
On another note. This is Paul’s site, therefor giving him the right to say whatever he darn well pleases. He’s also nice enough to let us say out piece of mind and gie our points of view. If he can respect what we have to say, why can’t we respect his even if we may not agree with it.
Not to single you out Jeff, but I can see Paul struck a nerve with you. I understand that and you have every right to be upset. I ask you this though. Is it better to continue threads of anger that only fuel a fire, or is it better to say OK, that’s their thoughts and I think they are wrong and move on? As our moms all used to tell us, “two wrongs don’t make a right.”
So how bouth them Devil Rays and their beautiful team colors?
#78 by Giancarlo on 09.12.07 10:58 am |
Uni Watch covered the whole Spartak Moscow question back on Dec. 11, 2006. Look at post #95; I think it was the exact same photo being referred to.
#79 by Jim on 09.12.07 10:59 am |
I really disliked the newq NFL logo when released … but it’s growing - quickly on me. When taken purely for what it is, it screams NFL much more than the 1970s version it’s replacing. Is it perfect? No. But outside of the simplicity of the Chicago Cubs cap, what is?
#80 by LunchBox on 09.12.07 11:00 am |
Jeff,
Isn’t it also ignorant to “hate the entire northeast portion of our country.” based on one city?
Have you been to other parts in New York? Upstate? Western? What about New Hampshire or Vermont? Don’t generalize a region of the U.S. by one city.
On that note, why don’t we get back to talking about uniforms.
#81 by possum on 09.12.07 11:00 am |
US and NYC arguments on 9/11? Who’d have guessed it? I’ll be back tomorrow after saying this:
In the 70s, NHL teams didn’t have “one and done” uniforms…they were lucky if a shirt was used less than 3 years. You guys can squint and alter the pic as much as you want, that is 100% without question Spartak Moscow.
#82 by Robert on 09.12.07 11:01 am |
For the most part, I agree with this guy and his reasoning.
#83 by Wade on 09.12.07 11:02 am |
Phil Hughes did not have a flag on his hat last night because he was wearing last years version (grey under brim).
#84 by Tim on 09.12.07 11:03 am |
9/11 happened in New York.
And DC, and Pennsylvania, and everywhere where people had TV and radio that day.
I mean no disrespect, Paul, just pointing it out. I personally think the whole patritotism/sports uniform matrix is tired no matter what form it takes.
No offense taken. Valid points, all.
I am so relieved that you are not offended. Nevermind that you have offended everyone else on this board.
I also appreciate that you have deemed others’ points of views “valid”. You are such a worthy final arbitor.
Your arrogance astounds me.
Today is my last day reading your site sir.
Paul didn’t offend me. Thanks for speaking for the rest of us…
I’m not offended, plus Paul is stating that the Mets wear the First Responders caps to show their gratitude. If you have a problem with that take it up with the Mets.
Yes there were other incidents throughout the country…so why don’t the Nationals and Pirates/Phillies wear the caps of their local agencies?? I believe this is the Mets way of honoring the New York victims who put their lives on the line.
#85 by Joe Drennan on 09.12.07 11:03 am |
I agree. He at least gives logical reasons for his rankings too other than a prebubescent explination like they look “totaly sweet, and hey, Deion wore that uniform.”
#86 by Randy Miller on 09.12.07 11:03 am |
Let’s try that again:
and once more, just in case…
#87 by Randy Miller on 09.12.07 11:05 am |
#88 by Joe Drennan on 09.12.07 11:06 am |
As was mentioned in post #86, why don’t the Nats wear theri first responder’s caps on 9/11. This makes me think, instead of weaing a hat with a glued on flag, why not alow every team to wear first responder caps from their home city. This would even work for the Jays as I believe (maybe a bit bias as my dad is a Chicago firefighter who also happened to be dispatched to Ground Zero on 9/12) that all our first respnders are under apprechiated and a simple sign of respect to the true hearos by those who are false heros in my opinion is a nice touch, even if it is forced. It at least send the right message to our kids.
#89 by Roger Faso on 09.12.07 11:08 am |
I relocated to the south and it amazes me how many hyper-patriotic people are so quick to hate on the metropolitan areas of the country.
It’s almost as if these red staters pride themselves on being more patriotic that blue staters, but could really care less about these regions and that is the exact opposite of being patriotic. You either love the whole country or you just love your region … in which case, you should just fly your states flag … or the stars and bars.
#90 by Steve on 09.12.07 11:08 am |
The bottom line is that Jeff happens to be ignorant. But that’s okay — ignorance is rampant, and this site is not immune to that. I have posted exactly ONE comment on this site in the year + I have been stopping by. I like to be an observer, check out the links, and see who is doing what to their uni’s. I disagree with people regularly, but this is the first time I have wanted to speak up simply because Jeff is as wrong as he sees Paul to be. It sickens me about what happened six years ago. But everyone will have strong emotions about it and their own opinions. Jeff is nothing more than an asshole — he jumps in, criticizes Paul’s thoughts and opinions while being blind to the fact that Paul has given Jeff THIS VERY FORUM to share HIS opinions. Ignorance IS bliss, after all…
#91 by Jim on 09.12.07 11:10 am |
Somebody needs a puppy.
#92 by Patrick on 09.12.07 11:12 am |
The alleged mistake outlined in the photo of the pitcher with the American flag on his right shoulder, seemingly reversed, wasn’t oversight or a mistake. That’s the way the colors should be presented on the right sleeve.
The flag should always appear with the blue field leading on a moving object (such as a person), the same it would appear if it were being carried on a flagpole and viewed from that direction. This is a common presentation on military uniforms. If there was another mistake in the photo being referred to, my apolgies. Here’s a link that explains it in detail:
http://www.marlowwhi...
To the poster asking about NHL uniform releases today, there’s a big one: Toronto. They are redoing the uniform AND updating the classic maple leaf logo.
Here’s the link to the countdown page for all NHL jersey unveilings, in the lower right corner:
http://nhllogos.blog...
#93 by TBDRO on 09.12.07 11:15 am |
The new ones or the old ones?
;-)
#94 by Jim on 09.12.07 11:16 am |
Who is this guy? He’s making me laugh though…..
#95 by Jim on 09.12.07 11:20 am |
Looking through the last couple days, and saw this (looks like only 2 entries survived The Move, so I apologize if this has been said before):
http://www.post-gaze...
I’m intrigued by the fact that with very little creativity, the shadow can look very much like A) obviously - a baseball player catching a ball, B) a basketball player getting ready to dunk - can’t just just see a 23 on his back?, or C) an NFL receiver catching a deep pass.
#96 by 9/9 on 09.12.07 11:24 am |
I like my trolls better with a bit of creativity.
#97 by LunchBox on 09.12.07 11:24 am |
Time to put the old “Ban” on Jeff.
The Avs and Leafs are unveiling their new RBK uniforms today.
#98 by Scott on 09.12.07 11:25 am |
Its a damn shame what’s going on with this message board. Is this CNN or FOX News? NO! it is UNIwatch. Why can’t we talk about something like how good the black chin strap looked on Chad Johnson? or ANYTHING but this political/social argument going on. Can we please get back to the subject matter meant for this place. For once I thought I had made a good point with the LSU chin strap thing, but of course it happens on the day this became the guide to American Flag use.
#99 by Garrett on 09.12.07 11:26 am |
http://www.loosetoot...
#100 by Jason G. on 09.12.07 11:31 am |
Looks more like a lay up than a dunk to me. Both that and the flying number picture look to good to be true. You’d almost think they were photoshoppped. Very intresting pictures.
#101 by PFGuay on 09.12.07 11:36 am |
Ray Lewis is still wearing “R Lewis” on his jersey even though hes the only Lewis on the Ravens.
Can sort of see here.
#102 by PFGuay on 09.12.07 11:37 am |
Sorry
Here
http://sports.yahoo....
#103 by Garrett on 09.12.07 11:42 am |
Sorry, I can show signs of illiteracy at times. The link in post #99 is to a pretty cool informational/interactive web page for the Flag of the City of Chicago, explaining all of the symbolism.
#104 by Daniel on 09.12.07 11:43 am |
Everyone’s forgetting that the Ave’s jersey also comes out today. And with that maroon, they run on a very thin line of what’s good and bad….
#105 by LT on 09.12.07 11:47 am |
When you referred to flag etiquette and had the shot of Roger Clemens pitching for Team USA, to what are you referring? If you mean the flag on his sleeve with the blue field on the right, that is correct. Flags worn on the right arm are always presented as such on military uniforms. It goes back centuries to when an army would actually march into battle behind a flag bearer. Viewing the troops and the flag from their right hand side, the blue is viewed in that direction as they charge forward into battle. If the blue field was on the left then the army would be retreating.
#106 by Joe Drennan on 09.12.07 11:48 am |
You have something against Maroon? My high school colors were Maroon and Burnt Orange. You say it’s a