Thread: Bronco fans told they can't wear Peyton Manning jerseys to school

Ahead of Sunday’s big game between the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, some students in Greeley, Colo., are upset over an anti-gang policy that prohibits them from wearing Peyton Manning’s No. 18 jersey.

The future Hall of Fame quarterback, who the Broncos signed during the off season, has given fans hope the team can build on its unlikely playoff drive of a year ago, and jerseys emblazoned with his name and number are a huge seller throughout the state. But how can a Bronco fan express his devotion if the jersey remains in a drawer?

“They told me I couldn’t wear 18 anymore because it’s a gang number and I had to take it off,” said Konnor Vanatta during an interview with FOX31 Denver on Tuesday.

rest - http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/0...#ixzz25clqQsgK

18 is a gang number? huh? Man, what a crock o crap. Stick with a Tebow jersey to be safe.

I'm a little surprised it took this long to get to the media. There was a list of numbers kids can't wear that went out with class and school supply lists. Whole school district too, even the little kids.

Okay...

We have some ****** up priorities as a country when we ban children from wearing a certain number on a jersey...

If I was a dad in that area, I'd make sure to go to every PTA meeting - wearing a #18 Peyton Manning jersey. Good luck making me take it off...

I wonder if these numbers have also been banned from the district's High School football teams? If they aren't, it's hypocrisy at the highest levels. When I was in high school, we always wore our football jerseys to school on game days. So much nonsense.

Originally Posted by HORSEPOWER 56

Okay...

We have some ****** up priorities as a country when we ban children from wearing a certain number on a jersey...

If I was a dad in that area, I'd make sure to go to every PTA meeting - wearing a #18 Peyton Manning jersey. Good luck making me take it off...

Unfortunately, Greeley has a pretty bad gang problem. The gangs ruined the ability to wear those numbers.

Personally, I don't like it, but do you want open gang activity in school?

Originally Posted by MOtorboat

Unfortunately, Greeley has a pretty bad gang problem. The gangs ruined the ability to wear those numbers.

Personally, I don't like it, but do you want open gang activity in school?

that is it....no more red, green, or blue.....all gang colors.......complete bull ban numbers......if you have gang activity in the school then you have more problems then a sports jersey.

I hope Manning signs each of the jersey's or Von gives them all a 58 or something..... I get the issue, but no one should ever be discouraged from wearing broncos gear!!!!!

Originally Posted by NightTerror218

that is it....no more red, green, or blue.....all gang colors.......complete bull ban numbers......if you have gang activity in the school then you have more problems then a sports jersey.

Yeah, actually that's also part of the dress code. No solid colors. Of course, that's not mentioned in that article.

Originally Posted by MOtorboat

Unfortunately, Greeley has a pretty bad gang problem. The gangs ruined the ability to wear those numbers.

Personally, I don't like it, but do you want open gang activity in school?

How does wearing a number on a jersey promote gang activity? Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos' jersey has nothing to do with gang activity. All they're doing is letting the influence of the gangs win and scare them into doing stupid, pointless things. If they don't like it, create a dress code and make all the kids dress in the same school uniform, or ban any type of athletic jerseys. Banning certain numbers is absolutely ridiculous. Frankly, I'm surprised they didn't ban "69" because of the sexual connotations.

Originally Posted by HORSEPOWER 56

How does wearing a number on a jersey promote gang activity? Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos' jersey has nothing to do with gang activity. All they're doing is letting the influence of the gangs win and scare them into doing stupid, pointless things. If they don't like it, create a dress code and make all the kids dress in the same school uniform, or ban any type of athletic jerseys. Banning certain numbers is absolutely ridiculous. Frankly, I'm surprised they didn't ban "69" because of the sexual connotations.

Because 18 is worn by the 18th Street Gang, which has a presence in Greeley.

from article:

A spokesperson for Weld County District 6 explained the policy has been around for over three years and applies to the numbers 13, 14,18, 31, 41 and 81.

Not to be discouraged, Vanatta wore a number 61 jersey to school on Tuesday to protest the policy.

rest - http://kdvr.com/2012/09/04/mannings-...ounty-schools/

huge presence. Go ahead and encourage a kid to wear the 18 and then explain to his family what happened when he gets the *&^* kicked out of him by a rival gang. It's sad that they've had to adopt such extreme measures but it is what it is. The safety of the children should be top priority over wearing a jersey. And if you don't think gangs take colors and symbols that seriously then you quite frankly have no idea what you're talking about. People get killed over that kind of stuff.

Originally Posted by HORSEPOWER 56

How does wearing a number on a jersey promote gang activity? Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos' jersey has nothing to do with gang activity. All they're doing is letting the influence of the gangs win and scare them into doing stupid, pointless things. If they don't like it, create a dress code and make all the kids dress in the same school uniform, or ban any type of athletic jerseys. Banning certain numbers is absolutely ridiculous. Frankly, I'm surprised they didn't ban "69" because of the sexual connotations.

Pretty much how i look at it. Its one thing if you have a homemade jersey with no team logo and are sporting it around as a gang sign/whatever. But, a NFL jersey? Come on thats just ridiculous. Nice call on "69", i was thinking the very same thing today. lol

Originally Posted by Jsteve01

huge presence. Go ahead and encourage a kid to wear the 18 and then explain to his family what happened when he gets the *&^* kicked out of him by a rival gang. It's sad that they've had to adopt such extreme measures but it is what it is. The safety of the children should be top priority over wearing a jersey. And if you don't think gangs take colors and symbols that seriously then you quite frankly have no idea what you're talking about. People get killed over that kind of stuff.

The same thing happened in the early 90s with the "CR" Colorado Rockies hats. The Crips were wearing them and turning into one of their trademark symbols.

Originally Posted by MOtorboat

Because 18 is worn by the 18th Street Gang, which has a presence in Greeley.

I highly doubt that kid who was wearing the Manning jersey was a gang member.