May 23, 2013
It's been THE hot button issue this week: should the football Wildcats wear black jerseys or uniforms when they take the field Saturday night?
During Rich Brooks' weekly news conference on Monday, several Wildcat players were asked about Saturday's scheduled "blackout." More than a few expressed an interest in joining the fans, by wearing black uniforms against Mississippi State.
Following Tuesday's morning practice, the coach said he needed to clarify the uniform situation.
"We don't have black jerseys, folks. The marketing department came up with a brilliant idea and I hope our fans follow through on it," Brooks said.
We've seen this work at other schools. Louisville has done it. Penn State had a "whiteout" recently. Several other SEC schools have had their own versions of the same.
The game between the Cats and the Dogs falls on Halloween night, which adds more intrigue into having a "blackout." The idea is for UK fans to wear black to the game Saturday. With a regional television audience looking on, the "blackout" perhaps would cause some viewers (read recruits) to take notice of the Commonwealth Stadium crowd.
"We do not have black jerseys," Brooks said. "You have to order them weeks in advance, as you know. We are wearing our regular uniforms."
When asked if he was surprised that the "blackout" and black uniforms had become such a hot topic this week, Brooks laughed, then tried to put the issue to rest.
"I've said what I'm going to say. I'm done with it. I'm more worried about Mississippi State, believe it or not."
UK fans might remember a couple of years ago a "whiteout" was attempted at Rupp Arena. While many wore white T-shirts provided by the university, it was hardly a smashing success, because so many people didn't.
Here's hoping more fans show up in black than do a Halloween costume.
Those are the highlights... Stay tuned.