NFL fans were sent into an angry downward spiral this week after they discovered that the league’s online retail store would not allow them to customize their jerseys with the name “Harambe” on the back.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported that customers were being banned from putting the name of the Internet famous gorilla on the backs of the jerseys.
Videos by PopCulture.com
However, the next day, Rovell put everyone’s minds at ease when he reported that the ban had been lifted after there was some miscommunication between the online retailer and the NFL.
The NFL quickly backtracked after the intial report, and claims that the name Harambe was a banned word “by mistake.”
Fox Sports reports that the online retailer, Fanatics, runs the retail for the four major sports leagues. After an official from the MLB complained about custom Harambe jerseys being made, the name was added to a list of banned words that would result in an instantaneous rejection of the order. Therefore, anybody who tried to put the name “Harambe” on any MLB, NBA, NFL, or NHL jersey was denied.
Until today, fans would receive a message that read, “We are unable to customize this item with the text you have entered. Please try a different entry again.”
Because of the public outcry on social media, the ban has been removed. Now all the Harambe advocates can honor the memory of the fallen gorilla, and support their team at the same time. Of course, that is if they are willing to shell out $300 for a customized jersey.
Would you want to buy a customized NFL jersey with the name Harambe on the back?
[H/T All22, Fox Sports]
