Throwbacks and throwaways

The 49ers wore their classic uniforms (red jerseys with white numerals, gold pants with red and white stripes) for yesterday's game against the Rams. Even though they lost the game 13-9, at least they looked like five time Super Bowl champions.

There was also a glut of so-called "throwback" jerseys in the stands. Tons of Steve Young (#8), Joe Montana (#16), Ronnie Lott (#42) and Jerry Rice (#80) jerseys and not a lot of Alex Smith (#11), Frank Gore (#21) or any other current Niners. It seems like everyone at Candlestick Park is pining for the days of the 49er dynasty.

I saw a couple of folks wearing this guy's #32 jersey, which is like wearing a giant sign reading "I Am An Idiot". Even if you're wearing your O.J. jersey ironically, there's nothing funny about double murder and armed robbery ( no matter what Jay Leno thinks)

I did a web search for "O.J. Simpson jerseys" to see where someone would pick up something like that, and (surprisingly) they're mostly counterfeit. O.J. ended his career with a couple of undistinguished years in San Francisco, but if this Pro Bowl jersey with "Simpson" on the front and "National" on the back were authentic, he would've had to play in the Pro Bowl as a 49er.

That O.J. Simpson NFC Pro Bowl jersey can be yours for $19.99. It's interesting what happens to jerseys for players that move to other teams. You can buy a Terrell Owens 49er or Eagle jersey for $19.99 and a Randy Moss Raider jersey for $9.99. Michael Vick Atlanta Falcon jerseys are also at $29.95 and falling fast, but they're an even larger "I Am An Idiot" sign.

All those stories about sports leagues donating mislabeled merchandise ( "2007 World Champion Colorado Rockies" t-shirts and the like) to third world countries are apparently true.

The article even has photographic evidence of a bunch of Zambians proudly showing off their "Super Bowl XLI Champion Chicago Bears" t-shirts.



The Bears missed the chance to record their updated "Super Bowl Runner-Up Shuffle" rap.

We didn't lose because we're seedy
The Bears got beat to clothe the needy
Our Super Bowl loss might have caused a ruffle
But at least we didn't rhyme "trouble" and "shuffle"