Since the exception has been made in the past (Keyshawn) and ALL rules evolve over time (2-point conversion try). There is no significant reason to not just scrap the numbering for eligibles, aside from restricting them from 50-79, other than the fact that the NFL does not want to seem like it was pressured into doing so by a rookie. Unfortunately, this is likely the very reason why it was disallowed in this instance and I would not be surprised if the rule was changed in the next few years, at the leagues convenience, with the statement that it is to reflect the number of players now filling multiple roles (or some other ridiculous excuse).
strict dogmatic evaluation of out of date rules dictate he cannot do it in the most effective way possible Wow, Fade222. Crank that melodrama to eleven. I didn't realize the actual number 5 was so necessary to the whole jersey sales thing, and that you're implying he'll never sell a jersey with whatever number he actually winds up wearing in games. I also didn't realize the Saints were somehow forbidden from selling charity jerseys with the number 5 on them, even if Bush doesn't wear that number in games. They can just not use #5 this year at all, and save it for public sale and charity use. (I seriously doubt the NFL would forbid that.) In fact, the more I think about it, the actual rule the NFL is citing could be made completely secondary to the cause of charity sales, unless Reggie Bush's sentimentality is getting the better of him. As it is, he asked, they said no, and there are other, better, solutions to this tempest in a teapot. Please show me the down side of this.
modern culture dictates in this situation, a player with a national following wants to donate profits from his jersey sales. Modern culture dictates? Oh yeah?
modern culture dictates in this situation, a player with a national following wants to donate profits from his jersey sales. The charity thing is silly. He's giving the money anyway, regardless of number, because to do otherwise would make him look terrible. I don't see a reason why Bush shouldn't get to wear 5, but I refuse to have a strong opinion about this.
I understand that he wants to rock his old number, but that shouldn't be a reason to donate money to a serious cause.I think he should donate money for whatever number he wears just for making that comment initially
Wide receiver Kevin McMahan (this year's Mr. Irrelevant) also wore #5 in college. Under NFL rules, he can't wear that number either. I'm not saying he's in Bush's league talent-wise, but if he had petitioned the NFL like Bush, I doubt anyone but his mom would have his back. We'd probably all ridicule him. Why? Because he's a rookie and hasn't proved anything yet in the NFL. Last time I checked, the same could be said of Bush.
The numbers rules do actually apply to every position. WR's are required to wear 80-89 IF ONE IS AVAILABLE. If not, then they may go to 10-20 for their number. The reason is because teams started retiring numbers from 80-89 and this caused conflict so the rule was ammended. This is not only for the refs to make the calls easier, it's also to make the players more identifiable to the fan. I forget when and where I read about the numbering rules, but I remember it clearly.
actually found this on a steelers fan site 1973: A jersey numbering system was adopted, April 5: 1-19 for quarterbacks and specialists, 20-49 for running backs and defensive backs, 50-59 for centers and linebackers, 60-79 for defensive linemen and interior offensive linemen other than centers, and 80-89 for wide receivers and tight ends. Players who had been in the NFL in 1972 could continue to use old numbers. HERE is the URL.
I understand why the NFL would reject this, but I still think their policy needs to be reconsidered. What I don't understand is why folks are criticizing Bush for this (e.g., telling him to follow the rules or calling him a prima donna). He is following the rules. He made a request for an exemption that got turned down and now he will wear a different number. What's the harm in asking? I don't see how it makes him a prima donna.
They denied Edgerrin James when he petitioned coming into the league. Why is Bush more special? He should be denied, that would send the wrong kind of message. The rules are the rules if they wouldn't do it for Edge then they should not do it for Bush.
P.S. I do agree with bperk though he Bush did it the right way. He was well within his rights to ask. He should not be faulted for that
On the other side of the line, Brian Bosworth went ballistic when they denied his petition to wear 44, his college number at Oklahoma. He had established a corporation called 44-Boz Inc. and argued the economic impact would hurt his corp. He even obtained a court order against the NFL to wear 44 instead of 55. I guess if Bush wants to sue the NFL he may have a case. Wouldn't do much for his image though.
I think the NFL should make every player wear a tuxedo with a nice corsage. Then take their picture wearing the tux and corsage and silk screen it on their uniform. VOILA! Solves the problem right there. We don't need no stinking numbers.
I think rcade is right. This should be a non-issue. The only numbers that really matter are the ineligibles. If Bush wore # 5, does anyone really think that it would be confusing? Everyone on his offense, the opposing defense and the officiating crew would damned sure know who # 5 was. On the other hand, the only reason for the NFL to allow it is because a rook who's never played a pro down wants it out of sentiment. The shirt proceeds aren't a factor because he's going to sell a boatload of them no matter what number he ends up with. The NFL has the right to maintain the present structure, but it probably wouldn't have hurt them to allow the change either. Does it really matter?
The numbers rule is for conformity while players want to be seen as individual and different. I don't see why the NFL would be so afraid of individuality. Then again if they scrapped the rule the wierd numbers(odd numbers?) would be the norm. Couldn't the saints list Bush as a QB(he threw a few passes at USC right?) or a "specialist" and skirt the rule.
I also read where Reggie was going to donate the 25% regardless. This makes him come out smelling like roses (and why not, he did nothing wrong by asking and not complaining when ruled against).
The NFL is all about the league makes the players not the players make the league. Two other like events 1)Peyton Manning wanting to wear black hightops to honor Unitas and 2)Jake Plummer and the wearing of Pat Tillman's number on his helmet longer than the one-day tribute the NFL had decided on. In both cases the players were told no. This is also the same league who fines players for being out of team uniform on Sundays (like wrong socks, shoe color, etc).
If the numbers are there for the convenience of the officials, why not make eligible receivers wear an alternate color helmet? Isn't this what is done in soccer for the goalkeeper's jersey? By doing this, you could eliminate the silly rule requiring linemen to report to the referee that they are eligible. Adopt this rule, and the players can wear whatever number they like.
This is not 'Nam. There are rules.
Run the damn ball! Catch the damn ball and do it all in any number you get. You're in the NFL. Be grateful you have a number, period. Players want to be "individuals" well...you're an employee and there's rules. Grow up.
actually found this on a steelers fan site 1973: A jersey numbering system was adopted, April 5: 1-19 for quarterbacks and specialists, 20-49 for running backs and defensive backs, 50-59 for centers and linebackers, 60-79 for defensive linemen and interior offensive linemen other than centers, and 80-89 for wide receivers and tight ends. Players who had been in the NFL in 1972 could continue to use old numbers. This is confusing to me and maybe you guys can help me out. Todd Christensen that played with the Raiders in the late 1980's was a TE and wore number 49. But according to the NFL this was not allowed. Was I smokin' some good weed back than or did they(NFL)make an exception??
If #5 is that important to him let him go play in the CFL. Maybe him and Ricky Williams can be teammates. Also he could try NFL-Europe or Arena League Football.
I think Christensen started his career as a fullback...
I don't know why he wants #5 anyway, just mark it zero!
I think Christensen started his career as a fullback... Reggie Bush wants to grow that mustache, he can wear whatever # he wants. Maybe. Didn't actually work for Jake Plummer.
Anyone remember Kordell Stewart #10? Let's see quarterback, wide receiver, etc. by the way Bush can pass!
