LEFTOVERS: Fans get Hernandez off backs
OK, your kid owns an Aaron Hernandez jersey, which right now is as popular as owning one of those old Michael Vick Atlanta Falcons jerseys when he got busted for dogfighting.
The New England Patriots understand. So if you bought a No. 81 Hernandez jersey through the team’s store or through the team’s website, the Pats will let you exchange it for another player’s. Even Tim Tebow’s.
Patriots.com reports the free exchange will happen next weekend, when fans can exchange a jersey for a new one of comparable value.
“We know that children love wearing their Patriots jerseys, but may not understand why parents don’t want them wearing their Hernandez jerseys anymore,” Patriots spokesperson Stacey James said. “We hope this opportunity to exchange those jerseys for another player’s jersey will be well-received by parents.”
Hernandez was released by the team Monday after being arrested and charged with first-degree murder and five gun charges.
■ FASHION FAUX PAS — A disturbing new fashion trend may have emerged from Thursday’s NBA Draft.
No, not the return of popsicle-colored suits. We’re talking flags, uniforms and other items of interest inside the suit jackets of the draftees.
Ben McLemore decided to have his Kansas uniform stitched inside his jacket. Nerlens Noel did the same thing, only he had his Kentucky uniform in the lining. Maryland’s Alex Len had a Ukranian flag stitched inside his jacket.
These guys thought they were slick, but all it did was ruin a good look. So, please, future draftees, keep your jacket buttoned. But if you want to look like Craig Sager, the TNT courtside reporter who dresses, ahem, flamboyantly, we won’t stop you.
■ FREE FIREARMS — Some teams give away T-shirts or hot dogs to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. The Huntsville Stars are giving away guns.
The Double-A team will have a “2nd Amendment Night” promotion Wednesday, when three fans will get a chance to win a gun in a drawing. Also, all National Rifle Association members who display their membership card will be admitted free.
On the team’s Facebook page came this sales pitch — “Gates open at 6 p.m. for an exciting night of baseball filled with patriotism, fun, food and firepower!”
■ PUIG SPIKES SALES — What’s the hottest ticket in Los Angeles?
That’s easy. The Dodgers are what’s hot. Or, more specifically, rookie outfielder Yasiel Puig. According to Forbes.com, the average price for Dodgers tickets has increased by 88 percent since Puig joined the team in early June.
In the first two games of Puig’s career, the Dodgers drew an average of just over 37,000. Since then, they have drawn less than 40,000 once, a Monday night game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
TiqIQ, a search engine that tracks ticket sales, shows that the average price of a Dodgers ticket before Puig’s arrival was $41. Now, the price has spiked to $77.
What’s next? Fans staying late to see Puig bat in the seventh or eighth inning?
COMPILED BY STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
