Who Dat gonna stop the people
With all the excitment and joy that comes with the Saints first trip to the Super Bowl there must be a little bad news. Well this bad news comes straight form the NFL. It seems they have been sending out cease and desist orders to businesses printing or selling “Who Dat” items. Here is the NFL’s reason:
“Any unauthorized use of the Saints colors and other [marks] designed to create the illusion of an affiliation with the Saints is equally a violation of the Saints trademark rights because it allows a third party to ‘free ride’ by profiting from confusion of the team’s fans, who want to show support for the Saints.”
Experts say this is a bit of a legal grey area, but these businesses lack the legal firepower or money to fight the mighty NFL (something we are well aware of). But at least someone’s got their back, Sen. David Vitter and challenger Rep. Charlie Melancon have sent a letter to the NFL Commissioner saying that they are printing their own “Who Dat” tees (seen above) and to “Please either drop your present ridiculous position or sue me.” Nice work gentlemen! “Who Dat” belongs to the people. In fact it was first heard 130 years ago in New Orleans at minstrel shows. Then it was used as a rally cry by St. Augustine high school. Then it the 1980’s it was adopted by Saints fans. Let me say that again, adopted by the Saints fans. Keep fighting the good fight.
