Stamps will cover pistols on jerseys
Move will honour Hicks’ memory; permanent decision to come later
They will still be the Men in Black. But there will be a change. The Calgary Stampeders announced Wednesday that they will alter their black jerseys for the final two games — Friday against the Toronto Argonauts (7 p.m. at McMahon Stadium) and the West final Nov. 20.
The shoulder patch that features a pair of crossed six-shooters will be covered by a black piece of cloth.
The move was made after one of the team’s players, 23-year-old defensive back Mylan Hicks, was gunned down outside a Calgary nightclub last month.
Stamps GM John Hufnagel said a permanent decision about the pistols logo would be made in the off-season.
“The team made the decision to cover the shoulder patch worn by the players on the field for the remainder of the 2016 season to acknowledge last month’s tragic loss of Mylan Hicks,” Hufnagel said.
“The Stampeders black jersey has been very popular with many of our fans and players since we became the first CFL team to wear an alternate jersey in 1994 and it will remain an important part of our identity.
“Following the season, we will review all options in regards to potential changes to the design of the jersey.”
Nelson Lugela, 19, is charged with second-degree murder in Hicks’ death Sept. 25.
Stamps quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell said he agreed with covering up the shoulder patch.
“I think it’s the right thing to do,” Mitchell said.
“It was a suggestion by some people in our organization.
“Within our locker-room, it’s not bringing attention to something that it shouldn’t be.
“So there’s no complaints from us.”
Head coach Dave Dickenson echoed Mitchell’s sentiments.
“I didn’t have a lot to say about it, but I do understand why, as an organization, we decided to go this route,” Dickenson said. “It’s a family thing. “We felt it was the right thing to do. I support it.”
Offensive lineman Spencer Wilson isn’t a big fan of political correctness.
Wilson didn’t feel the jerseys needed to be altered to appease anyone outside the locker-room.
“I thought they looked great just the way they were,” he said.
“But if that’s what we have to do to make everyone happy, then that’s fine by me.
“But they looked pretty crisp how they were.”
Wilson was fine with the change if it was viewed as another way to honour Hicks.
The team has done a number of different things to keep Hicks in their thoughts, including painting the initials ‘MH’ or his No. 31 on their bodies or towels.
The Stamps are also wearing a No. 31 sticker on their helmets for the rest of the season.
Stamps wideout Anthony Parker said this is just another chance to keep Hicks’ memory alive.
“From a team perspective, with what happened, we respect and understand the decision,” Parker said. “It’s one of those things that in society today, we’re probably too familiar with those types of things, weapons of various sorts.
“So I can definitely see where we’re coming from on that front. It’s the right thing to do with what happened.
“Ultimately, we’re out here to support Mylan in any way that we can. This is just another step we’re taking so I’m totally on board.”