Mexi-No: NFL Bans Personalized Jersey With Vick Pseudonym

NFLShop.com Not Allowing “Mexico” On Back Of Falcons Jerseys

NFLShop.com is not allowing fans “to buy Falcons jerseys personalized with ‘MEXICO,’” the name Falcons QB Michael Vick allegedly used as an alias, according to Ken Sugiura of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION. A lawsuit filed against Vick claiming that he knowingly gave a woman herpes, said Vick used the name “Ron Mexico” when being tested or treated for the disease. NFL Dir of Corporate Communications Brian McCarthy said that “a handful of Falcons No. 7 jerseys with ‘Mexico’ on the back were ordered, but none was delivered.” McCarthy: “We believe it was inappropriate to sell those jerseys because of the recent developments.” Sugiura notes the NFL has a list of over 1,100 words or phrases that it will not allow on personalized jerseys. Meanwhile, Sugiura notes Nike and AirTran Airways, “two of Vick’s biggest endorsements, have maintained their relationship with him” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 4/15). The AP reports that T-shirts with “Vick’s image, his number and ‘MEXICO’” are being sold for $16.07 at www.ronmexico.com, and some have been put up for bid on eBay (AP, 4/15).

TV DARLINGS: ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser said of the Falcons getting three home “MNF” games, a Sunday night game and a Thanksgiving Day game, “I would showcase the New England Patriots above everybody else. ... I’m surprised that after two years of New England winning the Super Bowl, that [the NFL still doesn’t] think New England is a sexy draw” (“PTI,” ESPN, 4/14).