Briefly, it seemed like a new rivalry was bubbling to the surface between North Texas and Michigan State.
Well, sort of.
In an ESPN commercial promoting Saturday night’s game between Michigan State and Michigan, MSU was referred to as “Mean Green.” North Texas, whose teams are called the “Mean Green,” wasn’t too happy about it, and athletic director Wren Baker voiced his displeasure on Twitter.
First, here’s what the ESPN commercial looked like:
wow! michigan vs north texas in primetime on saturday can't wait! pic.twitter.com/X5ZKXclUoB
— nick (@nick_pants) October 4, 2017
And here’s Baker’s response:
Hey @espn & @MSU_Athletics , without a doubt @MeanGreenSports is the hottest athletic dept in the country. BUT you can’t just try to steal #MeanGreen. It’s trademarked and has been for a very, very long time. Cease and desist letter on the way. https://t.co/7g69KeEm0T
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) October 4, 2017
Baker really took this seriously and told USA Today that the school’s attorneys were preparing cease and desist letters for both Michigan State and ESPN. North Texas has used the “Mean Green” name back to the 1960’s when future NFL Hall of Fame defensive lineman Joe Greene was a star defensive lineman for the school.
Per USA Today, Baker also took issue with Michigan State using “Mean Green” as a descriptor for alternate uniforms the basketball team wore in 2016.
Spartans showing off the new Mean Green Hyper Elite Disruption uniforms. pic.twitter.com/5QXdysbU1x
— Spartan Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) January 23, 2016
Any animosity that may have existed quickly dissipated, however. Baker spoke with officials from ESPN and Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis and things were resolved.
Thx to ESPN for reaching out quickly & correcting Mean Green usage. I appreciate MSU AD Mark Hollis for reaching out as well. Love the national respect for our brand! pic.twitter.com/M4yhgIrwRh
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) October 4, 2017
ESPN told USA Today’s Dan Wolken that the promotional commercial is “being adjusted” and Michigan State had no involvement in its creation.
“This was an honest oversight and the spot is being adjusted to remove the Mean Green reference. We have been in touch with leadership at North Texas and they are appreciative. Michigan State had no involvement in the creation of the promo spot,” ESPN said.
Crisis averted.
– – – – – – –
Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
