NCAA gets pounded for its latest trademark surrounding March Madness

Last season, March Madness didn’t happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This season, the NCAA has decided to file for the trademark, “Mask Madness,” implying that it plans to promote the wearing of masks while holding the annual men’s basketball tournament this upcoming spring.

There were a lot of opinions on the NCAA’s decision to trademark this play on words and potentially make money off mask awareness during the pandemic. And not a lot of it on Twitter was positive.

Here’s some of the reaction following the news:

Remember, it’s for “awareness.” https://t.co/j3dfNL245v

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 28, 2020

Proving that they are the most tone deaf organization in sports the NCAA has trademarked the phrase “Mask Madness.” https://t.co/sZPMhzre50

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 28, 2020

Meanwhile, the NCAA is more worried about trademarking Mask Madness instead of the welfare of their student athletes. Unreal. Make a freaking decision @NCAA. #FreeSharife https://t.co/amnmkON8Ws

— Will (@ShootyHoopsWill) December 28, 2020

The NCAA has filed a trademark for MASK MADNESS, with the intent to sell branded face masks & promote awareness.

The craziest part?

The athletes that choose to play during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic won't receive any of the profits.

Classic…

(H/T @JoshGerben)

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) December 28, 2020

I feel like the NCAA would get dunked on 75% less if they just had a VP of common sense in the building. Nobody there looked at plans to monetize “Mask Madness” and said…”Maybe we should pass on that one?”

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 28, 2020

Up next for the NCAA to trademark? “Pandemic Profit?” https://t.co/OuGP5jovzK

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 28, 2020

Mask Madness makes zero sense. https://t.co/IF9HHktaEk

— John_Spalding_fan_account (@seasonneverends) December 28, 2020

They’ve had a player collapse on the floor and half the sport shut down and they’re preparing for mask madness.

The NCAA is a deplorable organization https://t.co/AjppS8YMWr

— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) December 28, 2020

Another NCAA ploy trying to be cool. Meanwhile the athletes will see no money from “Mask Madness” https://t.co/a8NFY86hxh

— Steve Walls (@SteveWallsKC) December 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/andrewtrainset/status/1343626167052619783

The filing, made on December 23, indicates the NCAA will:

1.) Monetize a pandemic amid numerous breakouts in college sports and likely pocket all the cash.

2.) Brand Mask Madness as a “public awareness campaign” for PR.

Did anyone have this on their 2020 bingo card??? https://t.co/Ac49IuKqXd

— Katie Lever, Ph. D (@LeverFever) December 28, 2020

And I bet the only mask that will be allowed on the court will be the MASK MADNESS mask.

Can't wait for reporters in Indy to have to change masks in order to get to their seat (after they pour their Coke Zero in a Powerade cup) https://t.co/kjwmBXStkb

— Steve Bittenbender (@BittGDCG) December 28, 2020

Jake Rill

Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.