Lesbians, Butt Stains Need Not Apply
March 2, 2005
Found on Outsports: ‘Gay’ is a Naughty Word for NFL Shop. In the esteemed logic of the NFL, the words “gay” and “lesbian” have been placed on a list of banned words not allowed on customizable jerseys at the NFL shop. This led the investigative-minded folks at Outsports to find the list of 1,121 naughty words. The NFL stands by its policy, stating that it’s intended to prevent “misuse” and that the NFL reserves its right to limit what words are printable on jerseys, but doesn’t have an explanation for why New England Patriot Randall Gay is allowed to have a jersey with his name on it. I’m just wondering which potential customers made it necessary for the NFL to ban the phrases “butt stain,” “gonorrehea” (sic), and “pubiclice.” Naturally, Outsports undertook the inestimably fun task of figuring out which jerseys are allowed. Size queens rejoice, the NFL wants your support.
[caps]Update: You can now be Gay, but the title of this entry still applies; Lesbian is still on the naughty list, apparently because it’s nobody’s name. So you can be Gay, but not gay. You also can no longer be a Gay Nazi. Terrorist is still OK, though.