Dexter Lawrence Seeks No. 97 Jersey from Shemar Stewart
Dexter Lawrence, a recently acquired defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, is aiming to reclaim the No. 97 jersey. Lawrence previously wore this number during his tenure with the New York Giants. Currently, the jersey is held by fellow player Shemar Stewart.
Lawrence’s Desire for Number 97
During his introductory press conference, Lawrence acknowledged the question surrounding the jersey. “I want to get it,” he stated. He plans to discuss the situation with Stewart, who currently sports the number.
Historical Context of Jersey Transactions
The topic of players acquiring jersey numbers is not new. It is common for players to negotiate jersey trades, although team policies ultimately govern number assignment. Lawrence and Stewart may consider this historical context as they navigate their discussions.
- In 2005, Clinton Portis paid $40,000 to acquire No. 26 from Ifeanyi Ohalete.
- Portis initially paid $20,000 and left Ohalete unpaid after he was cut, leading to a lawsuit.
- The case illustrates the complexities of such transactions and underscores the importance of clear agreements.
As Lawrence and Stewart move forward, it will be interesting to see if a financial agreement can be reached, allowing Lawrence to wear No. 97 for the Bengals. The situation reflects the ongoing dynamics within professional sports and how players navigate personal branding through jersey numbers.
