Caps are No. 1, Leaked Wizards Logo Sparks Backlash
March 11, 2011
Ceci Ferrara
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
Caps
Despite the loss of some favorite faces, the Caps have been flying high since the trade deadline with a record of 3-0 since last Monday (their first three game winning streak since late December). Jason Arnott has already begun to fit into the rotation, providing the third period winning goal against the St. Louis Blues last Thursday. After the game Arnott told reporters that while his relationship with his new teammates is still new, they’re starting to build a relationship. “We’re creating a little chemistry, getting to know each other,” he says. “It’s important to communicate to find out how guys are and little plays around the rink. If we keep that up, hopefully our chemistry will keep going.” Their recent streak of wins has put them in first place in the Southeast Division, one point ahead of the previously division-leading Lightning, whom they face tonight in Tampa Bay.
Wizards
The Wizards continue to disappoint, winning only one of their last seven games. Their sole win came against the Timberwolves (103-96) on Saturday night, after two disappointing losses to the Bulls and Golden State Warriors, respectively. Unfortunately, it was followed by another loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday (113-102). The biggest news surrounding the team is off the court with the leak of a potential new logo, which has been making the rounds after a Twitter user found the image displayed on an all-NBA logo jacket. Team owner Ted Leonsis quickly took to his blog to address the news with fans: “Many of you have seen a new version of a Wizards logo circulating online,” he wrote. “We won’t get into confirming or denying the validity of any logo designs. We appreciate and understand the excitement surrounding the new color scheme and are planning a comprehensive brand launch. We will announce the specific date for our public unveiling event soon and look forward to sharing our new brand identity with our fans.” The re-branding of the team is no doubt an attempt to remarket the team, in hopes of filling seats and building excitement for an otherwise lackluster franchise. The team is 16-45 this season, and with less than 20 games left, one wonders if the team will even make it to 20 wins. Fans are being vocal about their distaste for the ‘new’ logo — which is essentially the old logo with new colors. One comment left on Leonsis’ blog echoes the same sentiment: “The problem with the current logo is more than just the color scheme… it lacks charm, style and character!”
NFL/Redskins
The players were able to avoid a lockout by extending the bargaining agreement deadline for one week. With no clear agreement in sight, at least not publicly, one must wonder what the next step will be. Will there be a lockout? Will there be an agreement at the stroke of midnight? Or will there be another extension? This week’s talks hold the answer, and by Friday we should either have an answer or another extension. Key issues dividing players and owners include: extending the regular season from 16 games to 18 while cutting the pre-season short, how to divide the $9 billion revenue and benefits for retired players. If the NFL goes into a lockout, there will be no off-season workouts or training camps, and players will not be able to visit or consult with NFL doctors. The lockout would essentially mean no NFL…until further notice. The draft, however, is a separate entity and will go on as scheduled.
Since the tragic death of safety Sean Taylor in 2007, no Redskin player has worn the No. 21 jersey. When the Redskins announced the procurement of safety O. J. Atogwe from the Rams, questions began to circle about what number Atogwe would don in DC. He took to his Twitter account –username “blessedskins” — saying, “With all due respect, I will not be rocking nor even asking to rock 21…” As is customary in some other sports, jersey numbers are not currently “retired” within the Redskins organization. Owner Dan Snyder says that is a policy that could change, but for now, it is up to the discretion of the organization and players to chose what number they wear. Atogwe, 29, who was released by the Rams in January, signed a 5-year, $26 million deal with the Skins.
