The Saskatchewan Roughriders were so quick to begin selling a new logoed T-shirt, should anyone be impressed, surprised or appalled?
Big Play Chain Tees can be pre-ordered for $29.99, mere days after the players began presenting a huge chain and medallion to anyone who did something impressive while thumping the Ottawa Redblacks. There’s a facsimile of the chain on each shirt.
Receiver Namaan Roosevelt donned the real chain after scoring a touchdown. Defensive back L.J. McCray wore it after an interception, but only for a while, until he got thrown out for punching an opponent.
The chain was the brainchild of receiver Manny Arceneaux. Shown under the team’s “S” logo are the words “Boycott Average” separated by a watermelon slice.
Head coach Craig Dickenson spoke glowingly about how it evidently served as a symbol of unity and inspiration. That might be overstating it a bit, but the Riders’ on-the-bit marketing department didn’t think so. It quickly rushed the shirt into production and began selling it for less than some of its other merchandise.
Hopefully Arceneaux or a local charity gets a cut.