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OKLAHOMA CITY — Arrogant Americans manager Justin C. Cliburn announced the first re-brand in franchise history Tuesday. The new identity is a complete 180° from the arrogance and hubris of the Arrogant Americans: Welcome the Underdogs to the OIL.     The first Arrogant Americans logo was created 10 years ago today, in time for the 'Mericans' fifth season in the OIL. Now, a decade later, their manager said it had run its course. "The Arrogant Americans brand was good to us for 14 seasons, but it was time for a change," Justin C. Cliburn said. "The new name, logo, and uniforms are based on the humble beagle, which may seem odd to some." Cliburn's first dog was a beagle, and he owned three over his lifetime, most recently "Battle." The color scheme evokes the beloved tri-color beagle, while the helmet is reminiscent of the Philadelphia Eagles — only with a floppy dog ear instead of an eagle's wing. The new brand identity was developed by Impressions Media Group, a graphic design firm based in New York.  "Beagles are an honorable breed — kind, curious, active, and blue-collar. They have been working dogs for hundreds of years," Cliburn said. "Their personality is humble, but they have a deafeningly loud bark and howl when provoked. They are small in stature but carry a big stick. In short, they are the ultimate underdog."
When asked how he calls the winningest team in OIL history underdogs, Cliburn was clear. "It doesn't matter what players did before you. Three previous championships have nothing to do with today. This team went 4-9 last season; as a result, they do not deserve to be associated with the glory of the Arrogant Americans. It's time for an attitude adjustment, and the Underdogs name is just the first step." When pressed, Cliburn denied that the identity crisis was in response to Lucky Enuf surpassing the 'Mericans on the all-time championships list. Lucky Enuf won a record-fourth OIL Bowl in 2019. The Underdogs will begin play in 2020, and team merchandise will hit store shelves immediately. Fans may follow the Underdogs on social media at @Underdogs_OIL. #KeepHowling
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OKLAHOMA CITY –– There's an old saying that justice delayed is justice denied, but, when delayed justice is all you can offer, you suck it up and do the right thing. Over the first 13 weeks in 2009, the Arrogant Americans went 9-4. They then won three straight to finish Week 16 at 12-4. But they weren't champions. Why? Because that was the one season the league used a 14-week schedule, pushing the championship to Week 17.
Due to the commissioner's incompetence, the 'Mericans first had to beat a first-round opponent due to there being no first-round bye in 2009. They won again in Week 15 (present-day semifinals week) and Week 16 (present-day championship week). Then, in Week 17, they faced the ThroatPunchers and lost after injuries to Wes Welker and Maurice Jones-Drew and Week 17-restings of other star players. But the 'Mericans would have beaten the ThroatPunchers in Week 16. And they would have won in Weeks 14, 15, and 16, when they averaged 193.95 points per game (due to seeding, they would have avoided the Wolverines and their 220 points in Week 15). Their final record, under current scheduling rules, would be 11-4 with more than 165 points scored per game. And that season ranks fifth in OIL history in OPR (1.265), while the ThroatPunchers' 2009 season ranks 130th (1.026). Therefore, the OIL is officially recognizing Justin C. Cliburn and the Arrogant Americans as the true champions of 2009. That proclamation also means that Cliburn is officially the first manager to win four OIL championships. When reached for comment, Cliburn said, "although I know there will be pushback, I am grateful that a wrong was righted. I just wonder why it took so long when [Kevin] Pyle's 2008 title was retroactively recognized back in 2012." As is custom, the OIL checking account has been drafted $200 to purchase a championship jersey and mini-helmet for the 'Mericans. Pictures will be posted in approximately six weeks. By OIL Commissioner Justin C. Cliburn  Prototype: 2015 Lucky Enuf WR Odell Beckham, Jr. In what has been the most difficult secret I've ever kept (non proposing-to-Deanne division), I've secured a manufacturing deal for official OIL trading card sets. Choice Trading Cards will produce the first 130-card sets covering the first 10 years of the OIL. Each card will include a different OIL in Action image on the front with full OIL stats and team information on the back. I was able to get a discounted rate on these, so each set will only cost $258.70 ($1.99 per card). Normally, Choice would charge $6.99 per card, but our exclusive agreement and promise to order future sets secured us a much lower rate. There was a minimum order of five sets, so I've shifted $1,293.50 from the draft fund to purchase the first five sets. I am confident that: 1. we'll sell out quickly and be able to order a larger quantity (at a less expensive rate) in the future; and 2. be able to raise an extra $1,293.50 for the draft weekend. Anyone interested in reserving a set? Let me know ASAP.
Post in the comments, and I'll ensure you have a pre-order. Right now, images from the first 10 years are the only ones included, but I will start planning the next set soon. Set two will cover 2016 and 2017. Layouts will be created in real time as each season progresses. Finding the right manufacturer was difficult, but I'm happy with Choice. Our website and images really impressed them and helped get us a discount. Or maybe they just knew we'd end up ordering more sets. Who knows? Launching our own trading card sets is a big deal either way, and I'm ecstatic. Soon, you will be, too. Trust me. |
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