From the NFL Superbowl blog: NFL explains “Who Dat” position thusly:
Posted: February 1st, 2010 | NFL.com Staff | Tags: New Orleans Saints, Who Dat
The NFL cleared up a perceived controversy over the “Who Dat” trademark.
The league is challenging the sale of items that use “Who Dat” in connection with the Saints’ trademarks or logos. The league isn’t interested in chasing down merchandise that merely has “Who Dat” logos.
“‘Who Dat,’ we do not claim to own by itself,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told the New Orleans Times Picayune. “It’s when ‘Who Dat’ is used in conjunction with Saints marks that it’s a problem.”
McCarthy said the league will only become involved when the “Who Dat” is advertised as official Saints or NFL gear.
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As a member of the WHO DAT NATION, I’d like to address a few points in the NFL’s statement.
#1. “perceived controversy”?? If you believe the controversy is “perceived” then you have a big problem with perception. The Who Dat Nation’s been expressing it’s displeasure for over two weeks now. But, yeah, we get it. It takes a letter from a senator to get your attention – fans don’t count. FAIL!
#2. “The league is challenging the sale of items that use “Who Dat” in connection with the Saints’ trademarks or logos.”
Fleurty Girl’s #whodat tee does not portray a Saints logo nor the “official” Saints/NFL fleur de lis yet she was served a “cease and desist” letter unless she preferred to pay a 10% royalty to the NFL. Perhaps the rep who drafted the letter needs a lesson on the finer points of distinguishing between the official NFL fleur de lis and its’ many, many variations. It ain’t just a flower. FAIL!
#3. “The league isn’t interested in chasing down merchandise that merely has “Who Dat” logos.”
See #2. DOUBLE FAIL!
#4. “It’s when ‘Who Dat’ is used in conjunction with Saints marks that it’s a problem.”
“Who Dat” has been the rallying cry of Saints fans since the early ’80′s and will always be the rallying cry of Saint’s fans. Do you have a jail big enough? Oh wait, you can use the Superdome since that is where you have SEEN ‘WHO DAT’ SIGNS WEEK AFTER WEEK AT EVERY SAINTS GAME since the early ’80′s. FAIL!
#5. “…the league will only become involved when the “Who Dat” is advertised as official Saints or NFL gear.”
Is is just me or does this remark contradict the remark in #3? Also, see #2. Again. DOUBLE #WHODAT FAIL!
Just be big boys. Admit you screwed up and apologize to the Who Dat Nation. Mmmm-kay?
