The San Antonio Spurs might be stripped of one of their most iconic nicknames, and an NFL youngster would be to blame.
The San Antonio Spurs have had their fair share of iconic nicknames.
The Admiral. The Big Fundamental. Old Man Riverwalk. Pop. The Alien.
It all started with George Gervin, the Iceman, who dominated for the Spurs between 1974 and 1985, ushering them into the NBA and being one of the best scorers in basketball history.
The Iceman finished his career with 12 All-Star nods, nine All-NBA appearances, and was named to the All-Time All-ABA Team. He finished second in MVP voting twice and led the league in scoring four times.
Apparently, some whippersnapper up in Chicago thinks he can trademark the name.
Caleb Williams Steps on Spurs' Toes
Caleb Williams is a very good player, and he and Ben Johnson dragged the Chicago Bears back to relevance this season. It's expected that the former Heisman winner and first overall pick will help the Bears run the NFC North for the next several seasons.
However, he's no legend, despite what he may say.
On March 19, Williams filed for a trademark over "The Iceman" name. Gervin has since challenged the request.
Williams led plenty of comebacks this season and clinched the Bears' first playoff win since 2010 last season, beating the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round.
Williams' clutch factor earned him the Iceman moniker, but for him to make it exclusive to himself? Gervin thinks that's a bit of a stretch.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for him,” Gervin told the Chicago Sun-Times. “He’s already proved greatness, and his potential upside is great. Like an ‘Iceman.’ But that name is taken.”
The Spurs, of course, agree.
Gervin spent his final NBA season with the Chicago Bulls, teaming up with Michael Jordan for one last season. Williams, of course, grew up in Washington DC, and is too young to remember the original Iceman, anyway.
Gervin was a pioneer in both the NBA and ABA, and rivaled Dr. J and Artis Gilmore as one of the coolest athletes of his day, hence the nickname.
Gervin has used his nickname in commercials since his playing days, and never filed a trademark. That has since changed, as Gervin wants to trademark "Iceman 44," referring to his jersey number.