The Benson family and the New Orleans Hornets issued a press release explaining the decision to change the team name. Team Owner Tom Benson stated:
When we purchased the basketball team, it was a priority to change the name to reflect our culture, our community and our resolve. The Pelican does that. Our region has been hard hit in recent years and the one thing that stands out is the resiliency and determination to comeback, to fight and overcome. The Pelican symbolizes that. The synergy of this name, this bird and the future of our state and region are intertwined and in three, five, ten years from now, it will be not only be a name of a sports franchise but it will also be the face of the continued recovery of our region. We will promote healthy habitats, not only for our youth but for our community, our coast and our wildlife. The Pelican name will do that. It is more than a name. It represents our way of life.”
Gulf Coast native and frequent New Orleans visitor Rodney Richardson of RARE Design was tasked with designing the new look for the Pelicans.
Richardson explains the choice in design, stating:
There are few symbols that have been used longer to represent this city, state and region than the pelican. It’s a very deeply-rooted symbol. The fleur de lis and pelican are so deeply ingrained in this area that it’s difficult to even nail down exactly when it happened.”
Whether you like it or loathe it, the New Orleans Pelicans are here to stay. The team’s change in name, colors and logo will go into effect at the conclusion of the 2012-13 NBA Season.
A fan took notice of Chris Paul’s tweet and called him on it, necessitating a response.
Seems, even as he experiences success the likes of which he never had in New Orleans, and while he live thousands of miles away, Paul still loves the Big Easy.
Tweet of the Night: Jamal Crawford
Tweet of the Day: LeBron James
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Michael Brumagin is the “Tweet of the Day” columnist for Sheridan Hoops. You can follow him on Twitter.