A brewing controversy has emerged ahead of Texas Tech’s themed matchup against Colorado, after the Buffaloes declined to approve a special gameday T-shirt celebrating America.
Every Red Raiders home game in Lubbock features a unique theme, complete with a commemorative shirt designed and sold by Red Raider Outfitter. For the upcoming “Celebrate America” game, however, Colorado rejected the request to license its marks for the patriotic design.
According to Red Raider Outfitter owner Stephen Spiegelberg, the process of developing these themes begins months in advance. While Texas Tech quickly gave the green light, Colorado responded with a firm “not interested.”
Colorado later issued a statement clarifying its stance, noting that the decision was not tied to the “Celebrate America” theme specifically:
“We get requests to use our marks and often decline for any number of reasons. In this case, the decision was unrelated to the theme. Our standards are consistently applied and are based on widely accepted licensing and trademark best practices used by national and global brands.”
Even after adjustments were made to the design, Spiegelberg says the Buffaloes rejected the request a second time, citing a refusal to approve any product featuring the American flag.
That decision didn’t sit well with Red Raider Outfitter. Spiegelberg announced the store would no longer sell Colorado merchandise, arguing that the school should not profit from limiting patriotic expression.
“We refuse to do that because Colorado would receive financial benefit from those shirts,” Spiegelberg said. “And we don’t think that anybody has the right to limit the use of the American flag in this great nation.”
Despite the dispute, the retailer confirmed that proceeds from the shirt will still benefit the local Monument of Courage initiative, which supports military veterans. The donation will go toward adding a West Texas Purple Heart to the war memorial in Lubbock.
“We’re pleased to say that we’re continuing to make that donation regardless of Colorado’s intent,” Spiegelberg added. “We will continue to celebrate here.”
The disagreement has ignited passionate responses from fans, highlighting the tension between collegiate licensing policies and traditions tied to school spirit, patriotism, and community causes.
From : Colorado Buffaloes Shirts
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