Sports

Will Wade Logo Drama Offers Stark Contrast To North Carolina As Rogue Wardrobe Sparks Outrage

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Will Wade logo drama "Slobbering Wolf"

© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / © Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images


The North Carolina State basketball team took down rival Syracuse in ACC action on Tuesday, 88-68. Head coach Will Wade began his celebratory press conference with an apology.

Wade unintentionally sparked controversy surrounding the team’s use of the “Slobbering Wolf” retro logo. It subsequently turned the fanbase against Wolfpack administration.

While appearing on his weekly radio show last week, the recently appointed hoops coach took aim at the school for a refusal to implement the retro look.

“I mean, I like (the retro uniforms). We should wear them. We’ve played well in them both times we’ve worn them. I think it connects us to our past, connects us to our history…

“I mean, look, it’s a bureaucracy like anything. There’s so much red tape, there’s so much stuff you’ve got to go through. But I like the uniforms… 

“I like to ask for forgiveness, not permission. We got a scathing email from the University after our first game. They were not happy.”

The Wolfpack have worn retro uniforms in two games this season (without permission). They won both. In each case, the team wore old jersey designs that read “STATE” across the front.

Wade admitted that administration reprimanded him for the wardrobe choice after a season-opening victory vs. UNC Central. It did not stop him from repeating the infraction a few games later vs. Texas Southern.

Will Wade wants to wear the Slobbering Wolf.

“I like the Slobbering Wolf,” he said in that same radio show interview. “I actually want to wear the Slobbering Wolf, but they won’t let me wear that on my jacket.”

The school does not want to embrace the past. It, instead, wants to promote the current brand. That decision has created a divide with the fanbase.

Many came out to attack the administration on social media following Wade’s admission.

Fans protested the decision with promises to wear retro designs during a home game vs. Syracuse. Even former assistant Levi Watkins donned the Slobbering Wolf logo on Tuesday.

That retro design dates back to 1967. It is available to be purchased on NC State basketball merchandise at various locations, including the Wolfpack Outfitters Bookstore.

It’s a great logo!

North Carolina State does not want its basketball team to wear the old uniforms. It does not want Will Wade to sport the Slobbering Wolf.

Despite the scolding, Wade apologized to his school for making it a talking point. He did not expect the issue to blow up like it did.

The need to apologize offered a stark contrast to rival North Carolina.

UNC lets Bill Belichick do as he pleases.

The Tar Heels have one of the most recognizable brands in college sports. The interlocking “NC” is iconic, particular in college basketball.

With that said, they are not afraid to switch things up. They did so in a game this week, possibly in response to the drama unfolding at its rival school.

The football program is no different. While they typically stick to the norm on Saturdays, there are instances when they go retro. They did so twice in Bill Belichick’s first season at the helm.

Belichick prefers the stairstep “UNC” logo. It celebrates the 1980 squad led by Lawrence Taylor that won the league.

“We had that logo put on some of our gear,” the head coach said upon arriving to Chapel Hill. “That’s one of the greatest defensive teams in college football.”

Belichick can be seen wearing the retro UNC logo on the sidelines, even when the Tar Heels sport their typical uniforms. It’s the design he likes. The school does not oppose.

North Carolina State has taken a different approach. That stance angered the fanbase. Will Wade called for the criticism of the athletic department to stop. It will be interesting to see of the outlook changes in the future.