While news outlets were busy falsely reporting the death of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, the sports world was missing out on a spectacular sight. The uniforms worn by the Miami Heat during Saturday’s home game against the Philadelphia 76ers loud, bold and strikingly similar to Robin Williams’ wardrobe in “The Birdcage.”
At first glance, one might wonder where the heck the pink and orange striped outfit came from. Sure, the NBA loves throwback unis, but I never saw Alonzo Mourning wearing THAT.
Turns out, the pretty in pink getup is indeed a legitimate throwback piece. The Miami Heat paid homage to The Floridians, the ABA team based in Miami (although the team played games in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville and West Palm Beach as well) from 1968 through 1972, according to the website RememberTheABA.com.
The Heat rocked the Floridians’ black away uniforms in 2004, according to ESPN.com, but Saturday’s 113-92 win over the 76ers marked the first time the Heat wore the old school white home uniforms.
I was in shock for a moment upon first seeing the guys in the colorful uniforms, but they quickly grew on me. What woman doesn’t appreciate a daring statement piece? Plus, the rumors are true; real men wear pink.
