Post by TheShadow on Jun 7, 2006 3:50:12 GMT -5
www.daytondailynews.com
By Sean McClelland
Staff Writer
Long known as the "No Fun League" by players who pay fines for infractions such as letting any skin on their legs show, the NFL has lived up to its image lately.
New Browns center LeCharles Bentley, who isn't one of these athletes who thinks history started when he was born, sought to wear uniform No. 00 in tribute to legendary Oakland Raiders center Jim Otto.
Seemed harmless enough, but Bentley has been told this would be impossible, that it would violate policy. It's a rule, you see, that offensive linemen must wear a number between 50 and 79. He's taken No. 57 but might wear "00" in the preseason.
Similarly, New Orleans Saints rookie running back Reggie Bush wanted to wear No. 5, his college number, and was told to forget it. Players at his position must fall between 20 and 49.
Green Bay Packers great Paul Hornung wore No. 5 and he was a running back. The world didn't end. But what did he know? He's only in the Hall of Fame.
It would seem the NFL should have more pressing matters on its agenda. Has a new commissioner been named to succeed the outgoing Paul Tagliabue? Is the drug testing system foolproof yet? Is there a team in Los Angeles?
No, didn't think so.
The league looks foolish on this, striking down something that might be a little different, a little fun, as if a choreographed end-zone celebration had broken out.
With the season still months away, what a comfort to know that the uniform police are already out in full force.