In a surprising move, the University of Colorado has declined participation in a T-shirt campaign promoting “Celebrate America” ahead of their Big 12 clash with Texas Tech . As they head to Lubbock’s Jones AT&T Stadium with high stakes for the championship game, the gesture was meant to underpin the event—selling special edition shirts to benefit military veterans.
While the Red Raider Outfitter had all systems go from Texas Tech with quick approval for the charity initiative, Colorado put the brakes on. Store owner Stephen Spiegelberg expressed disappointment: “Texas Tech was ecstatic about it and we received an immediate yes from Texas Tech Athletics and we were waiting on the University of Colorado to approve the shirt,” he said to KCBD News.
Colorado repeatedly rejected proposals, asserting disinterest even after design modifications were made. Spiegelberg said, “Multiple times we reached out and the only message we got back from Colorado on multiple occasions was ‘not interested.’