Texas A&M Distancing Itself From Popular Hashtag #WRTS

For some time now Texas A&M has been closely associated with the hashtag #WRTS, which stands for We Run This State. It's been used on all sorts of merchandise and to bolster the argument online that Texas A&M is now the premier program in the football crazy state of Texas, and not that other program in Austin.

However, going forward you will not see anyone or anything that is actually affiliated with the university using it anymore.

via Twitter

If you are thinking it is because the family of prized recruit Daylon Mack decided to sign with the Aggies you are right. Mack's father applied for the trademark with the Patent Office with the intention of licensing it for athletic apparel. He has not been granted the trademark yet, but the school has made it a moot point by opting not to use it anymore.

"Texas A&M has not had any plans -- past or future -- to trademark, purchase, or otherwise profit financially from #WRTS," the school said in a statement Thursday. 

Why does this matter? The school wants to make sure there is no appearance of impropriety involving the recruitment of Daylon Mack.

"Texas A&M was aware of Mr. Coris Mack's trademark application but this trademark application had nothing to do with the recruitment of Mr. Daylon Mack as a student-athlete at Texas A&M."

All licensees have been told by the school not to use the phrase in connection with any official products.

It's a shame that a good catchphrase has to die, but better not to allow their to be even the hint of impropriety. The last thing an up and coming program like Texas A&M needs is to be hit with recruiting violations.

[ESPN]

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