Fire changing jersey color from red to blue
Once nicknamed the Men in Red, the Fire are turning blue in 2020.
As expected after teasers and leaks, the Fire’s primary kit unveiled Wednesday night is blue for the first time in team history. Featuring the maligned new primary logo on the left side of the chest, the Fire’s “Homecoming” kit is navy blue with thin red diagonal pinstripes. According to the team, the look will be completed by navy blue shorts and red socks.
Former league MVP Mike Magee modeled the jersey during an MLS-wide launch event.
The look is a departure from what the Fire had worn for the vast majority of their existence. Expect for four years in the 2010s, the Fire’s primary look has been red shirts — with a broad white stripe across the chest — over red shorts. In 2012-13, the white stripe was replaced by blue, and the unpopular 2014-15 jersey did away with the stripe and replaced it with blue shoulders.
To the relief of many fans, the white stripe was restored for the 2016-17 and 2018-19 primary kits.
The Fire’s secondary kit is expected to be revealed by the end of the month.
How the look is received by fans is going to be an interesting storyline to watch, considering it’s vastly different from the previous look and features the new logo. At least judging from social media, the response so far has trended positively.
Of course, that’s in direct contrast to how that new crest was received.
Rose to miss Skills Challenge
Pistons guard Derrick Rose dropped out of the NBA Skills Challenge on Feb. 15 at the United Center for “injury-related” reasons, ESPN reported.
Rose was ruled out Wednesday against the Suns with a left hip strain.
He previously earned the skills title as a Bulls rookie in 2009.
♦ Andre Iguodala, 36, who hasn’t played for the Grizzlies this season, was traded to the Heat and agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract extension, ESPN reported. Justise Winslow was sent to the Grizzlies as part of the deal. The Heat, Grizzlies and Thunder also are working on a three-team deal that would land the Heat both Iguodala and Danilo Gallinari.
♦ The Kings traded Dewayne Dedmon to the Hawks for former Bulls forward Jabari Parker and Alex Len, ESPN reported.
♦ Dillon Brooks agreed to a three-year, $35 million extension with the Grizzlies, according to ESPN.
♦ Serge Ibaka hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 30 seconds remaining and the host Raptors rallied from 19 down to beat the Pacers 119-118, setting a franchise record with their 12th consecutive victory.
Phil to decline Open invite
Phil Mickelson is still not exempt for the U.S. Open and says he won’t accept a special invitation.