During his playing career, George Gervin was one of the most gifted pure scorers in basketball. He was an ABA and NBA legend, is a Basketball Hall of Famer, and is on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. Quite frankly, when I think about it, I’m a little surprised we don’t hear of him in more sports contexts and on a more regular basis.
Though, I have to admit I thought I’d never hear Gervin come up in a new trademark conversation, let alone with a young professional football quarterback. Especially one who plays for one of football’s most popular teams.
Just … huh. I guess you live and you learn.
That’s exactly what’s happening as Gervin challenges the Chicago Bears‘ third-year signal-caller, Caleb Williams, in a different sort of competitive context: a legal dispute over the right to monetize a well-earned (ahem) ice-cold nickname. Trust me, it’s actually quite fascinating to follow.
You see, earlier this March, Williams filed a trademark application for the “Iceman” nickname. It was bestowed upon the phenom Bears quarterback after leading Chicago to several iconic comeback victories throughout the year, including a stunning playoff comeback win over the rival Green Bay Packers. Per Bears Wire, Williams intends to use the trademark to better sell merchandise featuring himself. As is his prerogative. He’s definitely earned this path and expects to enjoy more success as the hopeful long-term superstar quarterback for the NFL’s charter franchise.
Everything about this approach tracks. I see the vision.
There’s just one problem for Williams here. His application drew the attention of Gervin, who was also nicknamed “Iceman” during his basketball career because of his smooth playing style as a dynamic scorer. And technically, if you think about it, Gervin came first. A lot earlier, too.
To Gervin’s credit, he recognizes that Williams has a legitimate stake on the “Iceman” nickname. But he’s still not giving an inch on surrendering the moniker outright.
More from the Chicago Sun-Times:
“I’ve got nothing but respect for [Caleb Williams],” Gervin told the Sun-Times. “He’s already proved greatness and his potential upside is great. Like an ‘Iceman.’ But that name is taken …
“All I’m saying is: Young fella [Williams], we’ve already got one ‘Iceman.’”
I know this is how it doesn’t work, but we really couldn’t divide up the trademark rights here? Because it sure seems like both Wiliams and Gervin have a rightful claim on this nickname. It would only be fair! Sigh. What a bummer. Whatever happens next in this court conundrum, I want to thank both gentlemen for unveiling the most random sports tiff of the calendar so far. I didn’t see one of the NFL’s higher-profile younger players getting involved in a legal battle with an underappreciated basketball legend.
If anyone says otherwise, they’re almost certainly lying.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Caleb Williams, George Gervin both trying to monetize Iceman nickname
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