Kentucky Colonels Ellie Brown Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt

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  • Regular price $27.95


We, The Uncommonwealth, in order to form a more compassionate union of basketball fans, hereby dedicate this shirt to Ellie Brown.

Say what? We turn to Vice Sports.com for the story about Ellie Brown, wife of John Y. Brown. In a nutshell, the Colonels were losing money and considering a move to Cincy. John Y.'s son (John Y III) wasn't keen on that and dad swept in to buy the team and save it from that nasty Ohio soil.

So, in July 1973, Brown bought the team. And in a bold move, named his wife Ellie and a 10-woman board of directors to run the team. Now, mind you, this was before glass ceilings were glass ceilings.

At age 33, Ellie became the first woman to chair the board of a major sports franchise. She led a turnaround that resulted in a league championship and a 75% rise in gate receipts. Whatever her magic was, it worked.

However, as Cinderella stories go, bad trades (like Issel to the Baltimore Claws) and a weak league eventually got the better of everyone -- except Brown. Instead of trying to leverage the Colonels into an NBA team, he took a $3 mil buyout, bought the Buffalo Braves and traded the team to become the owner of the Boston Celtics.

So, Ellie, this ball's for you! We even put your name on it -- because you broke the barrier for women in sports and it's the least we can do.

This design is copyright 2017-2018 The Uncommonwealth of Kentucky LLC.

This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Side-seamed

Model is wearing a size M. He's 6.2 feet (190 cm) tall, chest circumference 37.7" (96 cm), waist circumference 33.4" (85 cm).

Size guide

  S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL
Length (inches) 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
Width (inches) 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

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