A dispute between North Texas, ESPN and Michigan State has quickly come to an end. The matter started on Tuesday evening when ESPN aired a promotion for the upcoming Michigan State-Michigan game that will be aired in primetime on ABC. In the promo, the phrase “mean green” was used in reference to the Michigan State Spartans.
Hey @espn, nice phrase for a promo but uh…no pic.twitter.com/UPMPCxLcCG
— George Dunham (@GeorgeDunham) October 4, 2017
North Texas athletic director Wren Baker quickly responded following the airing of the promo.
Hey @espn & @MSU_Athletics , without a doubt @MeanGreenSports is the hottest athletic dept in the country. BUT you can’t just try to steal #MeanGreen. It’s trademarked and has been for a very, very long time. Cease and desist letter on the way. https://t.co/7g69KeEm0T
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) October 4, 2017
North Texas athletics has the name Mean Green name trademarked and Baker said that he would be sending a cease and desist letter for using the phrase.
Wednesday morning, Baker tweeted that the issue had been resolved with ESPN removing the phrase and that he had spoken with Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis about the matter.
“ESPN inadvertently used the words ‘Mean Green’ in association with Michigan State,” Baker said. “ESPN corrected the commercial once becoming aware of the issue. I also received communication from Mark Hollis at Michigan State who fully understands the importance of the Mean Green brand to UNT.”
Thx to ESPN for reaching out quickly & correcting Mean Green usage. I appreciate MSU AD Mark Hollis for reaching out as well. Love the national respect for our brand! pic.twitter.com/M4yhgIrwRh
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) October 4, 2017
The athletic department at North Texas also took full advantage of the opportunity for more promotion.
There’s only one Mean Green! Show your support. Be there Oct 14th.https://t.co/O4eOOxGEsb#BeatUTSA #GMG pic.twitter.com/HM9QUrHVGH
— Mean Green Sports (@MeanGreenSports) October 4, 2017
After a bye week this week, North Texas hosts UTSA on October 14.
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