Proving once again that the Denver Broncos should have kept Tim Tebow instead of signing Peyton Manning, controversy is brewing in a Colorado town over kids wearing Manning’s bright orange No. 18 jersey to school. Officials from the Weld County School System are receiving criticism for their decision to ban Manning’s replica jersey from the halls of schools in cities like Greeley, because the No. 18 is affiliated with local gangs.
God help my collection of hilarious personalized jerseys if the Crips ever use the number 69.
A spokesperson for Weld County District 6 explained the policy has been around for more than three years and applies to the numbers 13, 14, 18, 31, 41 and 81.
“We’re Broncos fans ourselves; it has nothing to do with that. We’re just wanting to set a consistent solid, example,” said district spokesperson Roger Fiedler. (Via Fox News)
I tried to do some research and figure out why these particular numbers were so dangerous, because if Dan Brown has taught me anything, it’s that symbols are everywhere, man. So when I Googled “18” like I assume all numerologists would do when investigating something, I was very surprised at what I found…
But since I don’t think the Denver school system is all that worried about Japanese panty fetishes, I checked with a registry of gang numbers, and I learned that 18 represents the 18th Street Gang, which is apparently a Hispanic street gang that is affiliated with the Mexican Mafia. Members of that gang were also recently prosecuted for violating the state’s organized crime laws in Weld County and they have become fond of Manning’s jersey.
So congrats, Peyton Manning, on perhaps your worst endorsement deal yet.
