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The Legacy of ‘The Logo’: The Unfortunate Fate of Jerry West

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By Sebastian Chittadini
Of Chittadini

1969 was a turning point in Jerry West’s life and in the NBA. That year, in the series in which the Celtics defeated the Lakers, the league introduced the Finals MVP award and he won it despite his team’s defeat. To this day, he remains the only player from the losing team to do so.

Walter Kennedy, commissioner of an NBA looking to strengthen itself and prevail in its fight against the rival ABA, contacted designer Alan Siegel. Specifically, the request was to create a logo for a league looking for a strong symbolic presence among fans.

Siegel began to think and analyze photos of different games and players, until he came across one of the Lakers star in the magazine Sports Illustrated. That photo captured the essence of the game, it was dynamic, perfect. Something about the vertical arrangement of West’s silhouette photographed by Wen Roberts told him that this was THE image to start working on. Inspired by the Major League Baseball logo, which he had designed himself, he created a blue and red image based on the silhouette of West hitting the ball. “The Logo” was born; its inspiration was 31 years old at the time.

Commissioner Kennedy fell in love with the prototype at first sight, who did not know that the icon had been modeled after Jerry West. Nor was the player asked anything about what he thought about the use of his figure. He would begin to be nicknamed “The Logo” and he would hate him with everything he was. The next stage would be shame and a vain request for the league to change that image. By 1971, Siegel had already delivered the final design to the NBA and the logo would appear for the first time on referees’ jerseys. During the Finals of the 1971-72 season, he would coexist in the graphics of the ABC television broadcast with the number 44 of the Lakers who would win the championship. The flesh and blood logo averaged 25.6 points and 9.7 assists in that series, he still had two more seasons left as a player.

Siegel’s design would gradually begin to appear on NBA stadium signage, All-Star game jerseys, and finally on team jerseys at official games in the 1986-87 season. As the league grew in the 1980s with the rivalry between Magic Johnson’s Lakers and Larry Bird’s Celtics, and went global in the 1990s with Michael Jordan as its ultimate reference, the Jerry West silhouette logo would become one of the most recognizable and transcendent cultural symbols in the world of sport.

The signs team

By linking the NBA logo to semiotics, the study of signs, we could put together a hypothetical starting five made up of prominent theorists Roland Barthes, Jean Baudrillard, Charles Sanders Peirce, Umberto Eco and Ferdinand de Saussure.

Barthes would be the team’s point guard, analyzing how Jerry West’s red, blue, and white silhouette became a sign that conveys the essence of the world’s best basketball league. Baudrillard, known for his critical approach to culture and media, would be the shooting guard who would skillfully combine the physical representation of the logo with its character as a symbol of globalization and the entertainment and marketing industries. Peirce would be a complete and versatile forward who would focus on how the NBA logo is at once an icon, a symbol, and an index of presence and popularity. Eco would be a power forward adaptable to different contexts, examining how the league’s institutional image is inserted into popular culture and interpreted everywhere in the world. Last but not least, Saussure would serve as the pivot, a reference for the team when it comes to understanding how the logo combines the visual signifier of West’s image with a cultural meaning for basketball.

In this team of signs, a real “Dream Team” of semiotics, each author would contribute their theoretical perspectives, working together to interpret and analyze this cultural phenomenon from different angles.

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It was the fate of Jerry West, a basketball legend, to be tied to an iconic image for which he never received a single dollar in royalties. He died – this June 12, 2024 – knowing that the NBA would never recognize that the man with the logo was him, even if everyone knew it and he hated him. During the 55 years that he lived being nicknamed “The Logo”, it felt like a burden, the constant reminder that he coexisted with an identity that went beyond his own. His paradox lies in the symbolic immortality he achieved by inspiring the NBA logo, contrasted with the lack of tangible recognition of his enormous sporting contribution.

Over the years, his frustration with being and not wanting to be reached its limit. He even stated that he felt ashamed for being the logo and that he wanted the NBA to change it. Many people said there were valid reasons why West should not be the logo and he proposed eventual replacements. The logo itself suggested names that he thought were more appropriate than himself; like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his signature “sky hook,” the also iconic logo “Jumpman” of Michael Jordan or a flight of LeBron James. The league completely ignored him. There was no interest in going through a process of rebranding something that works perfectly. Nor was there any consideration given to changing the silhouette of the logo to that of Kobe Bryant, who died in a tragic plane crash in January 2020. The league understood that there were other ways to honor his memory without depicting him in the NBA logo.

Thus, the discussion about changing the logo came to an end. Designer Alan Siegel never hid his inspiration from the Jerry West silhouette, but in a 2017 interview he said that commissioner David Stern (who led the league from 1984 to 2014) was never going to recognize who the player in the logo was. . He even theorized that it was a way to prevent the former player from asking for royalties for the use of his image. Today, the classic image generates around $3 billion a year in official licensing and the NBA name symbolizes the ultimate in terms of excellence among sports organizations around the world. Regarding whether the league should have ever given something to photographer Wen Roberts or West himself, spokesman Tim Frank said that the authorities of the best basketball league on the planet had no record of what Siegel’s source of inspiration had been, ignoring the designer’s own statements.

Where do logos go when they die?

Like the brands they represent, logos can undergo changes or even go out of use over time, but they almost never “die” in the literal sense. When a brand decides to change its visual identity or retire a logo, there is usually a carefully planned transition process.

In some cases, old logos may continue to exist in archives and historical records as part of the brand’s legacy. They can also be reused in commemorative products or in marketing campaigns that appeal to nostalgia. In more metaphorical terms, the “death” of a logo can symbolize the end of one era or the beginning of another. It is seen as part of the evolution of brands in their quest to remain relevant.

Jerry West may have left this scene, but his silhouette as the iconic NBA logo will live on in popular culture. His story is a reminder that true greatness transcends labels, symbols and nicknames. And it is there that he will be remembered for his extraordinary athletic ability, his achievements, his leadership and his influence beyond the court. In that sense, he is much more than a logo. Although paradoxically that is what makes his impact lasting and eternal. To paraphrase the song: “Murguita del Sur”from the Argentine band Bersuit Vergarabat, that silhouette that is on all the t-shirts transforms him into a dead person who never stops being born in the collective imagination.

By Sebastian Chittadini
Of Chittadini

2024-06-28 13:50:00
#Jerry #West #Paradox



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SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

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Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

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Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

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