In 2009 the Sports world stood in awe as the New Orleans Saints made a magical run to the Super Bowl. The Who Dat nation, which generally consist of the Mississippi Gulf Coast region has grown accustomed to seeing, and saying the phrase “Who Dat”! In Louisiana the phrase “Who Dat” is second nature to all. People are taught from infantry how to say it, babies are often draped in Saints “Who Dat” apparel, and the local daycare is bound to have “Who Dat” toys. In other words, “Who Dat” is much apart of our culture as Mardi Gras.
In 2010 the NFL attempted to claim exclusive ownership of the term “Who Dat”, stating that they own its trademark rights. Shortly thereafter the NFL began demanding local storeowners, and vendors to stop ordering, printing, and selling unauthorized “Who Dat” apparel. According to NFL spokesman Dan Masonson, "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."
The “Who Dat” controversies did more then spark uproar between the fans and the NFL. It actually brought two rival politicians who never agree on anything, together for one common purpose. Sen. David Vitter and Rep. Charlie Melancon challenged the NFL to drop its claim on the term “Who Dat”. Melancon launched an online petition for Saints fans to express discontentment with the NFL, while Vitter wrote a challenging letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. According to The Times Picayune some of Vitters letter went as follows;
“Dear Commissioner Goodell:
I was stunned to learn recently that the NFL is taking the position that it owns the exclusive trademark of the term "Who Dat" and has even threatened legal action against some mom-and-pop merchants selling t-shirts using the term. I would urge you to drop this obnoxious and legally unsustainable position and instead agree that "Who Dat" is in the public domain, giving no one exclusive trademark rights.
This letter will also serve as formal legal notice that I am having t-shirts printed that say "WHO DAT say we can't print Who Dat!" for widespread sale in commerce. Please either drop your present ridiculous position or sue me (The Times-Picayune, 2010).”
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was also urged to get involved in the “Who Dat’ squabble. After the congressman took action against the NFL, the Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee asked Bobby Jindal to defend the rights of people. After being demanding to do something Jindal ordered state lawyers to seek a lawsuit against the league over the phrase.
As a Saints fan I was appalled by the NFL trying to profit off the “Who Dat” nation after all these years. 43 long NFL season went by without one inclination that “Who Dat” belong to no one, but the loyalist of the Saints. This story reminds me of the deadbeat dad whose child has grown up to have grave success in a professional league, and suddenly reemerges from the dead to try and profit off his kid. Can you say greed; I can!
The term “Who Dat” is said to have derived from many places like, The Menstrual Show, St. Augustine Catholic School, Sal and Steve Monistere, LSU, Southern University etc. Fact is it didn’t derive from the offices of the NFL. Since the commotion began spiraling out of control the NFL backed off its claim, and stated that the whole thing was a misunderstanding. Yeah Right! Who Dat, We Dat! Go Saints!!!
References:
Moore, Katie (01/27/2010) NFL Orders Shops to Stop selling “Who Dat” gear. Eyewitness News; http://www.wwltv.com/news/Whoownswhodat-82841572.html
Moore, Thomas (01/30/2010) Here’s Da Deal on “Who Dat” Controversy. http://www.aolnews.com/2010/01/30/heres-da-deal-on-who-dat-controversy/
The Times-Picayune (01/29/2010) U.S. Senate candidates agree on “Who Dat”controversy.http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/01/vitter_to_nfl_back_of_who_dat.html
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