This was news that came right out of left field, much like Bret Bielema deciding to go to Arkansas to be their new Head Coach.
The New Orleans Hornets have apparently been planning on changing their name ever since Tom Benson acquired the franchise on April 14th, 2012.
According to Yahoo! Sports, “the Hornets also considered the nicknames Krewe (groups of costumed paraders in the annual Mardi Gras carnival in New Orleans) and Brass. Louisiana is the Pelican State. The brown pelican is the state bird and appears on the state flag and seal, and official state painting. Moreover, the Pelicans played minor league baseball in New Orleans in all but nine seasons from 1887-1959 and in 1977.”
It’s also being reported that Benson’s wife wants the new team colors to be navy blue, red and gold; but it hasn’t been reported whether or not the team will change their colors.
It should be noted that Michael Jordan said that he would consider renaming the Charlotte Bobcats the Charlotte Hornets, if the name ever became available again. It seems as though a shuffling of nicknames will be occurring over the next few years.
H/T: Yahoo! Sports