And I don’t mean “sick” in the 21st century way of saying something is “cool,” I mean sick in the literal sense of, if I have to witness a Raptors game with those jerseys, I might become violently ill.
I remember earlier this year, when NBA 2K12 jersey leaks started squeaking out of various sources, and this Raptors camouflage jersey was one of them, I just didn’t believe it. I thought for sure it was just some custom jersey built by a gamer while playing as the Raptors that had mistakenly leaked as an official jersey.
I honestly didn’t think it was possible for the folks at MLSE to believe this was a good idea. But alas, it’s true. The Raptors are going to wear camouflage jerseys on March 21 against the Bulls.
Seriously, let that sink in for a second. Camouflage freaking jerseys.
Even worse, they’re going to be wearing them at home, so we’ll get a nice up close and personal look at these disgusting creations.
Let me make one thing clear: I’m all for honouring Canadian veterans and armed forces members in every tasteful way possible. I also think the Raptors and MLSE do a pretty good job of honouring them. Whether it’s the always classy Remembrance Day ceremonies before a Leafs game at the ACC or a program that lets Raptors season seat holders donate their tickets to veterans on Armed Forces Night, which I’m assuming is going to be the night the team wears these uniforms.
Overall, the organization does things to show that they appreciate our armed forces, and they can and should always find ways to do more. But wearing a camouflage jersey in the National Basketball Association is just embarrassing, and almost seems to be trying too hard to get people to realize they care.
On Remembrance Day, you can wear a poppy, donate to various charities and legions, and do countless other things to show your support. But I’d bet that if you walked around in camouflage from head-to-toe, and had no actual affiliation with the armed forces, it would come off as unnecessary, and might even come off as making a mockery of the whole day, regardless of your intention.
To me, this is the same thing. You don’t have to parade your team around in camouflage to prove that you care about the armed forces. Make no mistake, these uniforms will enhance the Raptors’ reputation as league laughing stock in some circles more than they will do any good for our troops and veterans.
I don’t find it too bad. Granted, only two people wear camos in my opinion: Red-necks and Rough-necks
I bet the bulls win by 130, as they will not be able to see the raptors play any defence.
We’ll make it through this one, fellas. Our dignity is preserved by our mascot, the star of a 1993 dinosaur movie.
This is a proud franchise with a long winning history and I am honoured to be counted a member of the fan base. Every time I forget who we are, I just look to the rafters in the ACC to remind myself that we are the 2006-2007 Atlantic Division champions, fully capable of pulling out a .573 win percentage every 8-10 years or so.
I have a good feeling about this season.
Side note: I also fully agree that NBA players model everything I hope our servicemen and women aspire to be. Entitled, egotistical, and soft. Talking a lot of smack, but some of the biggest pansies on the planet when an actual fight breaks out. May the Toronto Raptors’ last-place defense be an inspiration to the defenders of our nation. Three cheers.
Worst idea ever by MLSE, wouldn’t be caught dead wearing that disgusting jersey. I feel bad for the raps gonna have to wear that…so embarassing.
These have an appeal to a certain segment of society of which I am not a part.
Who cares?It’s a jersey pattern…. It’s for a good cause, why be a douche about it and belittle it? You must of ran out of important things to blog about.
Thanks for that comment, Kate. Mr. Casciara probably never wore a military uniform and wouldn’t understand the pride in wearing something (whether he likes it or not) just to support the troops. Please , everyone, don’t forget that theses troops ARE risking their lives for their country.
Mike, what the hell are you talking about exactly?
How is creating a gimmick – AND THIS IS NO MORE THAN THAT – which will no doubt be sold for a profit by MLSE at Real Sports supporting the troops exactly?
Do you know what supporting the troops is? Making monetary contributions to the organizations supported by Veterans Affairs, donating tickets to those that have served, etc. That list, I hope you’ll note, doesn’t include creating a tacky jersey to be up for sale and worn four times on the court.
I could care less what they wear but don’t play the “you never served so you don’t get it” card, that is the most ignorant form of grandstanding I can think of in this context.
Kate, I’m clearly not the only one bothered that a team I am a fan of is going to embarrass themselves like this. And how exactly is it for a “good cause?” Just because MLSE says this is a tribute to the troops, and will likely be worn on Armed Forces night, it means it’s for a good cause? How about they donate 50/50 ticket sales or all concession sales from that night to veterans and families of veterans? That’s something I can appreciate and rally around. Parading around in soldier-like camouflage as some sort of salute to the troops is tacky. Thanks for the read and the feedback.
Mike, I’m pretty sure it’s clear that I’ve never worn a military uniform, but thanks for the confirmation. Also, I’m not sure why you needed to remind everyone that the troops are risking their lives for their country but once again, thanks for pointing out the obvious. You’re missing the point of the post and likely skipped the three paragraphs where I explain that supporting our troops and veterans is important. As I wrote, it should be done in a tasteful manner. Judging by your unnecessary rant, your ignoring of half my post and the fact that you couldn’t take the time to spell my name correctly, I’m guessing you have a whole Don Cherry thing going on. Again, I appreciate the read and the feedback.
CSR, We obviously see eye to eye on this being a simple gimmick. I agree with your listed ways of supporting the troops. Even if they wanted to auction off game-worn jerseys, with proceeds going to Veterans Affairs, they could easily do it with regular jerseys or even a jersey with a simple crest on it. To me, that would seem a lot more genuine than actually having the players dressed similar to those troops risking their lives.
Again, whether you agree or disagree, I appreciate all the readers and those who share feedback.
Does not matter to me as long as they WIN
I guess it means to the other team, your under attack!
The raptors don’t need any help becoming invisible
LOL, amazing.
Some great comments so far.
Guarantee many fans would approve of a U.S based franchise coming out with such a jersey.
This has as much to do with supporting the troops as the St. Patty’s jerseys have to do with reuniting a divided Ireland.
By my count, this team will wear 5 different jerseys this season???
Ca$h Ca$h Ca$h Ca$h
MLSE just stole your baby and sold it for a buck.
Correct that to 6 jerseys: white, red, black, green, Huskies, and camo.
Some fans and writers DO really love complaining over non-issues, because this is a non-issue, no matter how you slice it.
It’s just a jersey, which I like by the way. Making such a big deal about it and trying to look for evil reasons behind it is ridiculous and doesn’t even make sense.
“I’d be sooooo embarrassed to wear it, it’s DISGUSTING blah blah”. Please. Typical fan overreaction over non-issues.
I know that wearing the camo is somewhat respectful of the troops, however, the only individuals who should be wearing camo are the troops themselves. They deserve it and they earned the right to do so. Certainly, most of NBA players wouldn’t know much about “true” combat since there lives are not in jeopardy each and every day. Other than picking up a pretty sweet paycheque, they have no idea what it takes to make the ultimate sacrifice for one’s country. Cute campaign on behalf of the Raptors though. I think they should concentrate more on trying to bringing a competitive team to Toronto. I don’t even like basketball, other that NCAA.