George Gervin on Bears’ Caleb Williams: ‘Iceman’ nickname already taken
George Gervin is not in search of a beef. But after I discovered that Bears quarterback Caleb Williams utilized to trademark the “Iceman” nicknamethe previous San Antonio Spurs star determined to battle for the moniker he believes is his.
“I’ve acquired nothing however respect for [Williams]”,” Gervin informed the Sun-Times on Wednesday. “He’s already proven greatness and his potential upside is great. Like an ‘Iceman.’ But that name is taken. …
“All I’m saying is: Young fella, we’ve already got one ‘Iceman.’”
Gervin, who won scoring titles in four different pro seasons, was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 after a career that included 11 years with the Spurs as well as stops with the Virginia Squires and, for one season, the Bulls. He once averaged 29.5 points per game at Eastern Michigan and is best-known for his finger roll shot.
Caleb Williams Holding, Inc., submitted 4 trademark functions on March 16 associated to “Iceman” — for the title, a brand and two silhouettes that mimic Williams’ pose as he rolled left, jumped and accomplished a go to Rome Odunze within the Bears’ playoff win in opposition to the Packers. Goods and companies associated to the title embrace, amongst different issues, athletic baggage, water bottles, sweatshirts, T-shirts, jerseys, hats, sports activities gear, eyewear and downloadable posters and buying and selling playing cards.
On March 20, 4 days after Williams’ software was filed, Gervin Interests LLC filed trademark functions for each “Iceman” and “Iceman 44,” referencing Gervin’s jersey quantity. Related items and companies embrace leisure companies and private appearances by Gervin along with T-shirts, hats, shirts, wristbands, sweatshirts and different items of attire. The software notes that Gervin’s “Iceman” nickname was first utilized by him in commerce in 1979.
Jerald Barisano, president/CEO of Gervin Global Management, mentioned he wrongly believed Gervin’s nickname was already trademarked, owing the confusion to the dying of a enterprise affiliate.
It can be months earlier than the functions are processed; the US Patent and Trademark Office is presently reviewing functions from early November. Barisano mentioned he and Gervin plan to contest the trademark if it is granted to Williams.
“We are hoping the inspectors will do the right thing,” Barisano mentioned. “All they’ve got to do, is, do one Google search and they’ll see hundreds and hundreds of articles on the ‘Iceman,’ George Gervin.”
Williams was given the nickname final season for having ice in his veins late in video games. His celebration — rubbing his reverse biceps together with his palms, as if he had been chilly — got here from Chelsea soccer participant Cole Palmer, who does one thing related.
Gervin, who mentioned he was given the nickname in 1973, as soon as met one other “Iceman,” Chicago soul singer and eventual Cook County commissioner Jerry Butler. Their nicknames, he mentioned, did not trigger confusion as a result of they had been well-known for various causes.
Like Gervin, although, Williams is an athlete.
“I’m really the ‘Iceman’ in sports,” Gervin mentioned.
With the Bears coming off one other tough 12 months for his or her defensive position, McDonald could possibly be a difference-maker for them with the No. 25 decide within the draft.
The collective-bargaining settlement between the league and the NFLRA expires on the finish of May.
