'Hoosiers'-inspired Pacers unis aren't universally loved

Indiana Pacers fans liked the team's idea of wearing "Hoosiers"-inspired alternate uniforms starting next season.

To the rest of the world, reviews were mixed.

Tony Kornheiser of ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" and Tom Ley of Deadspin lauded the marketing possibilities, though Ley noted the unis "will probably go down as the most effective marketing ploy directed solely at white people since the invention of gourmet mayonnaise."

Dan Carson at Bleacher Report suggested the Pacers go all the way and wear 1950s-style shorts.

David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune wrote the Pacers missed an opportunity to relive one the great moments in the state's sports history.

Hoosiers everywhere marveled. And everyone missed the point.

Remember when throwback uniforms paid tribute to people and places that really existed? What's next, the Dallas Cowboys dressed as the Dillon Panthers — the fictional stars of the TV show "Friday Night Lights"? At least the "Rocky" statue in Philadelphia merely represents the idea of an underdog — not an actual underdog boxer forgotten by the time tourists climb the Philadelphia Art Museum's steps.

If the Pacers wanted to pay tribute to the rich heritage of Indiana high school basketball — the root of why the state is rabid over the sport — then they should have honored the team that inspired the movie, not the team in it. Instead it would be a miracle if half the people who will buy Hickory jerseys even know tiny Milan in southeastern Indiana from the city in Italy. An entire state just got dumber. Thanks, Pacers.

ESPN's Bomani Jones criticized the unis and got a swift reaction. He responded.

Evansville's Walter McCarty defended the state's honor.