Reggie Bush wears No. 5 in Saints Camp

[Young Drachma]

Link

The league's powerful competition committee, which will ultimately determine whether Bush can wear No. 5, met by conference call Friday but came to no resolution on the matter. The petition might be considered at a two-day league meeting which begins May 23 in Denver, but even that isn't assured. At this point, the competition committee hasn't drawn up a proposal or offered a recommendation.

At Saturday morning's practice, photographers scrambled to get shots of Bush in his uniform No. 5, cognizant of the fact he might not be wearing it much longer.

Bush is not the only player to seek an exemption this spring. Browns center LeCharles Bentley, who previously wore No. 65 during his four seasons with the Saints, has asked the NFL to allow him to don No. 00 now that he has moved to Cleveland.

Rather than acting on individual player requests for exemptions, the competition committee probably will consider changing the numbering system, at least for skill-position players. But such a change requires a three-quarters vote of the membership, meaning approval by 24 of 32 franchises, and there seems to be no groundswell of support for altering the rule.

Bush reiterated Saturday that he will donate 25 percent of his earnings from his uniform jersey sales to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts here. League players receive 6 percent from the wholesale value of their jersey sales.

So..what are the thoughts on this? Is it time for the NFL to change this uniform number rule or not?

[st.cronin]

I think it's a really stupid rule.

[wade moore]

I like the rule for selfish reasons... I just like the uniformity it creates when watching a game.

[SackAttack]

Keep the rule mostly as-is, but build in an exemption for Top-10 draft picks to allow them to wear the number provided it isn't already taken.

A 5th-rounder should rightfully be laughed at for asking for something like that, but when you're drafting a guy to be, presumably, the new face of your franchise (or one of them), letting him keep his number without rigamarole helps the fans identify him more easily.

[LloydLungs]

I can't believe this is such a hot topic with the NFL to the point where talks are stalling and it's going to various committees etc etc. But regardless, couldn't the Saints just give him #5 list him as a WR?

[gottimd]

He should ask to wear the symbol for the square root of 19.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by LloydLungs

I can't believe this is such a hot topic with the NFL to the point where talks are stalling and it's going to various committees etc etc. But regardless, couldn't the Saints just give him #5 list him as a WR?

It really is amazing that the NFL is doing so much talking about this issue. I mean, maybe they should be discussing whether this rule is obsolete (personally, I don't think it is), but they can't settle this thing within an hour or two? I doubt the players would fight it if the league just said no, so if the league doesn't like it, it wouldn't be a big deal.

With that said, I think WR's are limited to wearing numbers 10-19 and 80-89. I don't think the recent rule changes extended single digits to anyone besides quarterbacks and kickers.

[albionmoonlight]

It is jaw dropping to me how much people are talking about this on the Saints message boards. Whether Bush gets to wear #5 or not is THE big topic.

I don't really see what the big deal is either way, personally. If the NFL wants to keep things uniform, they should enforce the rules strictly. If they want to sell as many jerseys as possible, they should let players and agents choose numbers at will.

Does it really matter in the end which way they go?

[kcchief19]

The rule has a very valid reason -- it makes it much easier for officials to make calls on things such as illegal receivers down field and such. The only reason to change the rule is vanity and ego. I don't see what the hoopla is about -- can't these dumbasses sack it up and wear a freakin' number without breaking down sobbing or bitching about "The Man" keeping 'em down?

End rant.

[Buccaneer]

"Vanity" and "ego". Don't some (many?) here applaud those traits? As long as we glorify such behaviors (and buy what they are selling), it will continue.

[Rizon]

I don't think any player should be allowed to have a jersey number out of their position range. But that's just personal preference.

[larrymcg421]

What would prevent the Saints from listing Bush as a QB, but then using him as an RB anyway?

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

What would prevent the Saints from listing Bush as a QB, but then using him as an RB anyway?

If they are going to go that route, they need to list him as a punter. Make things much nicer for the team come Franchise Tag time.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

The rule has a very valid reason -- it makes it much easier for officials to make calls on things such as illegal receivers down field and such. The only reason to change the rule is vanity and ego. I don't see what the hoopla is about -- can't these dumbasses sack it up and wear a freakin' number without breaking down sobbing or bitching about "The Man" keeping 'em down?

End rant.

Sure...I don't know how many times officials have been confused by QB's or K's being downfield though. I think for the most part the number restrictions should stay, but I don't really see much of a reason why RB's should be excluded from wearing numbers from 1-19.

Actually, when I heard about the whole #5 issue, first thing I thought of was this guy:



(yes, I realize he played QB in college)

[cthomer5000]

I understand the need for distinctions in eligible versus non-eligible numbers, but i've never understood the need for the even tigher restrictions.

I say let any QB, RB, FB, WR, TE, P, K wear any number in the 1-49 and 80-89 range.

[Phoenix]

This whole thing is stupid - why change the rules for him? What has he done in the NFL.

The numbers she be as they are and wideouts/ends need to go back to the 80's, not 19, 11, etc.

How would you like your QB wearing number 99? It would look pretty ridiculous wouldn't it?

[LloydLungs]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

With that said, I think WR's are limited to wearing numbers 10-19 and 80-89. I don't think the recent rule changes extended single digits to anyone besides quarterbacks and kickers.

Ohh, okay. I thought it was 1-19. Still, they could list him as a kicker if they really wanted to (and make a mockery of it), but I'm sure the NFL would step in at that point. Historically the NFL has frowned heavily on mockeries.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

The numbers she be as they are and wideouts/ends need to go back to the 80's, not 19, 11, etc

Oh noes!

[Franklinnoble]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

This whole thing is stupid - why change the rules for him? What has he done in the NFL.

The numbers she be as they are and wideouts/ends need to go back to the 80's, not 19, 11, etc.

How would you like your QB wearing number 99? It would look pretty ridiculous wouldn't it?

Unavailable for comment

[Daimyo]

They should either change the rules for everyone or strictly enforce it... one off exceptions aren't the way to go.

Interesting side note: Edgerrin James petition to wear #5 when he was drafted 4th in '99, but was refused.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Franklinnoble

Unavailable for comment

33 is not quite as bad as 99 - is that a halfback option

[dawgfan]

I kinda like the rule as is - makes it easier to pick out positions, variations in formations, etc.

As for listing Bush at another position in order to qualify him for #5, the Seahawks half-heartedly tried to do the same thing when they got Brian Bosworth, calling him a "monster defensive back" or something like that to try and get the league to allow him to wear #44. Didn't fly with the league office so he switched to #55.

[IwasHere]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Bush is not the only player to seek an exemption this spring. Browns center LeCharles Bentley, who previously wore No. 65 during his four seasons with the Saints, has asked the NFL to allow him to don No. 00 now that he has moved to Cleveland.

I could care less about Bush wearing No. 5, but I really hope I do not see the No. 00 on the field this year. That is just stupid.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by IwasHere

I could care less about Bush wearing No. 5, but I really hope I do not see the No. 00 on the field this year. That is just stupid.

If it's good enough for a hall-of-fame center, I say the NFL should allow it.

[IwasHere]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

If it's good enough for a hall-of-fame center, I say the NFL should allow it.

He should be allowed to wear no. 00 only if he has those Sideburns to go with it.

[Young Drachma]

I think the rules are silly.

[Anthony]

these guys get paid millions to play a game.

think about that for a sec - millions to play a game.

they should be assigned a number and like it and shut up.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

these guys get paid millions to play a game.

think about that for a sec - millions to play a game.

I'm not sure I see your point here.

[stevew]

Man, Adrian McPherson should be honored that Bush is wearing his jersey.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

these guys get paid millions to play a game.

think about that for a sec - millions to play a game.

they should be assigned a number and like it and shut up.

Someone who richer than all of us pays them money to play a game.

A game. And it's been that way for a long, long time. So that shouldn't matter.

The argument that somehow going to work at Hardees or punching in from 9 to 5 is the same as playing pro sports has always been silly and always will be.

Do people complain when movie stars won't sign for a movie unless they get points on the gross? Or if they don't get a bigger trailer? No, because people rarely hear about that stuff.

But in sports, folks are always willing to complain that athletes are just ungrateful bastards who should be lucky they're playing a game.

Look, if all of us were as good at playing a game as other pro athletes were then they might not be as special and perhaps we'd get paid millions to play games, too.

But we're not, so we don't.

[Anthony]

they weren't always gods.

there was a time when they were just guys who got paid to play a game and in the offseason they sold cars or insurance.

when they wipe their ass the toilet paper turns brown, same like everyone else. a little humility and knowing-your-place never hurt no one, especially for a unproven rookie. if you see Maurice Clarett, pass this post on to him as well.

[Arctus]

I say make Offensive Linemen stay within 50 - 79, make other offensive players stay out of 50-79, and let the D take whatever numbers they want.

[IwasHere]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

there was a time when they were just guys who got paid to play a game and in the offseason they sold cars or insurance.

You can still find these players in the minor leagues of sports. Or, at your local ball field playing in a Co-Ed league.

A lot of these minor league players have just as much talent as their Pro counterparts. They just do not have the dedication it takes to go to the next level.

I love these people who sit back and complain about how much pro athletes make while eating dorritos from their Lay-z-boy recliners. When is the last time these people saw the inside of a gym? Bitch all you want, but talent alone does not make a pro athelete.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by IwasHere

Bitch all you want, but talent alone does not make a pro athelete.

yeah, Barry Bonds, Mark Magwire, Sammy Sosa, Raphael Palmiero, etc. agree with that.

[LionsFan10]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

yeah, Barry Bonds, Mark Magwire, Sammy Sosa, Raphael Palmiero, etc. agree with that.

Owned.

[kcchief19]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

I kinda like the rule as is - makes it easier to pick out positions, variations in formations, etc.

You're not alone. That's exactly why the rule was implemented. Once some wackos started wearing things like 00 and playing on the line and whatnot, the league knew they needed to crack down because it would get out of control and be too hard to police.

I understand that the more liberal college rule appeals to some -- essentially, anybody playing an eligible receiver position can wear 1-49 and 80-89.

There may be antiquated elements of the rule. For example, I think 1-9 originally was intended only for kickers and kicker/quarterbacks, while 10-19 were intended for quarterbacks only. 10-19 is an alternate for wide receivers and was originally intended only if 80-89 were already taken/retired. That rule has been laxed to allow alternate numbers to be primary numbers.

Like dawgfan said, it makes it easier for everone to identify players and formations. I don't see the big deal.

[stevew]

Speaking of Rookies numerical choices, why did Vernon Davis take 85 instead of the 18 he wore in college? The rule isn't relaxed for Tight Ends, is it? I seem to remember that KW2 wore 11 for his rookie year, so I'm not sure what the deal is.

In the end, if the league thinks that it can sell a lot more jerseys by relaxing some of the restrictions, i think they will do it.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

I understand that the more liberal college rule appeals to some -- essentially, anybody playing an eligible receiver position can wear 1-49 and 80-89.

I don't understand what the opposition to this would be.

[Ready4Anything99]

i hope they keep the rule as it is, since it makes it easier to identify players positions, but if allowing these players to wear other numbers will generate more money from the sale of jerseys,then it wouldnt surprise me if they change the rule.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Where does the line form for "I really don't give a shit what number any player wears"? Strikes me as bordering on silly that there's a chart for who can wear what with the possible exception of making ineligible receivers easier to identify.

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by Arctus

I say make Offensive Linemen stay within 50 - 79, make other offensive players stay out of 50-79, and let the D take whatever numbers they want.

Pretty much where I am. The only meaningful place for this, off the top of my head, is with "eligible receivers" -- past that, it doesn't really matter whether a guy is number 8, 28, or 88.

[Maple Leafs]

Personally, when I was first getting into the NFL I kind of liked being able to tune into a game where I didn't know the teams well and immediately being able to figure out who was who.

[Glengoyne]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

Pretty much where I am. The only meaningful place for this, off the top of my head, is with "eligible receivers" -- past that, it doesn't really matter whether a guy is number 8, 28, or 88.

I wouldn't have a problem with Arctus' suggestion. Of course, I don't really have a trouble with the league sticking to their current rule either.

[stevew]

NFL | League to change uniform number rules
Mon, 15 May 2006 07:35:29 -0700
ESPN reports the NFL has decided to change their policy regarding uniform numbers. No details of the agreement have been disclosed.

Hmm.

[stevew]

Upon further review...

Reggie Bush won't get his No. 5 this year

Not this season and perhaps not ever.

Atlanta general manager Rich McKay, co-chairman of the competition committee, said Tuesday that the committee had recommended against Bush's request for his college number.

The decision was made by the committee after two conference calls. It was never discussed by the owners.

"Nobody is comfortable that an exception be made to the policy and no one is confident that there will ever be a change," McKay said at the NFL owners meetings, adding that it might come up again, but certainly not until after the 2006 season has started.

Under NFL rules, running backs are required to wear numbers between 20-49. Since 1973, the only major change was made last year, when receivers were given permission to wear numbers in the teens because teams were running out of 80s due in large part to an increase in receivers and tight ends on rosters.

Bush, chosen second overall by New Orleans in April's draft, wore No. 5 at Southern California and had asked the NFL to make an exception. McKay said the committee also had requests from other players to wear numbers normally not allowed for their positions.

Bush's second choice appears to be 25, currently worn by veteran special teamer Fred McAfee, who has indicated he would be willing to give it (or sell it) to Bush. Players often change numbers to accommodate others, often selling the rights, as New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles did two years in a row - first trading No. 10 to Eli Manning in 2004, then No. 17 to Plaxico Burress last year.

Feagles got a vacation for his family to give Manning his number. Burress paid for an outdoor kitchen in Feagles' Arizona home.

Other number exchanges haven't been as amicable.

When Clinton Portis joined the Washington Redskins two years ago, he bought No. 26 for $40,000 from safety Ifeanyi Ohalete. Portis paid $20,000 up front but declined to pay the rest after Ohalete was cut by the Redskins and picked up by Arizona.

Ohalete then sued and the issue was solved before a trial when the two sides agreed on a lump-sum payment of $18,000 to settle the matter.

[KWhit]

Good. No reason the NFL should have made an exception for him.

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by KWhit

Good. No reason the NFL should have made an exception for him.

Agreed. I would not have a big problem with them changing the rule (although not changing it just for him) but why would they allow an exception for someone who has never played a down in the league?

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Samdari

Agreed. I would not have a big problem with them changing the rule (although not changing it just for him) but why would they allow an exception for someone who has never played a down in the league?

This is something the NBA would do, thankfully not the NFL.

The NFL continues to show that the "team" and the "league" are bigger than the player. I think this is part of what makes the NFL so much more successful than the other leagues.

[KWhit]

Originally Posted by wade moore

This is something the NBA would do, thankfully not the NFL.

The NFL continues to show that the "team" and the "league" are bigger than the player. I think this is part of what makes the NFL so much more successful than the other leagues.

Exactly.