On Tuesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off their 2017-18 regular season campaign with a matchup against Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics inside Quicken Loans Arena. After jumping out to a big first half lead, the Cavs, who were facing Irving for the first time since his trade with the C’s, managed to hang on for a 102-99 victory.
Late in Tuesday night’s game, Cavs superstar LeBron James had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction. No, not the Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl sort. This surprising failure was more Hulk Hogan-like… except in reverse. The back of James’ jersey actually ripped right down the middle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvil2hh2n5Q
As most hoops fans know, Nike and the NBA recently struck a deal — a deal in which all 30 teams will don the company’s newly-designed jerseys. Along with Nike’s famous “swoosh,” several teams have opted to pick up a sponsoring partner to display on the front of their kits. In Cleveland’s case, they’ve chosen to team up with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Nike is known for their top-quality merchandise. However, this is not the first jersey malfunction of the young season. In their preseason opener on Oct. 1, Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyler Ennis’ jersey ripped, leaving the zero on his No. 10 uniform awkwardly dangling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhbYx6eKsys
Nike says they are working with the NBA, as well as its teams, to avoid any future merchandise defects.
“The quality and performance of all our products are of utmost importance,” Nike told ESPN’s Darren Rovell. “We are obviously very concerned to see any game day jersey tear and are working with the NBA and teams to avoid this happening in the future.”
According to ESPN, James’ ripped jersey is being auctioned by the NBA, with 100 percent of its proceeds going to OneAmericaAppeal.org, a charity dedicated to helping the victims of the recent hurricanes. As of (roughly) noon on Saturday, the highest bid was $10,060.