Updated 11:25 a.m.

North Texas athletic director Wren Baker cleared the air Wednesday morning regarding the improper usage of the nickname “Mean Green” by ESPN in reference to Michigan State. Baker said he spoke with officials at both ESPN and Michigan State to address the issue, according to a tweet by Baker.

Thx to ESPN for reaching out quickly & correcting Mean Green usage. I appreciate MSU AD Mark Hollis for reaching out as well. Love the national respect for our brand! pic.twitter.com/M4yhgIrwRh — Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) October 4, 2017

The issue came to be Tuesday night when ESPN reportedly aired a promotional commercial for this weekend’s Michigan-Michigan State showdown and referred to Michigan State as the “Mean Green”.

After being made aware of the commercial, Baker said he would be sending a cease and desist letter over the improper use of the name “Mean Green”, according to a previous tweet by Baker.

Hey @espn & @MSU_Athletics , without a doubt @MeanGreenSports is the hottest athletic dept in the country. BUT you can’t just try to steal #MeanGreen. It’s trademarked and has been for a very, very long time. Cease and desist letter on the way. https://t.co/7g69KeEm0T — Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) October 4, 2017

The nickname “Mean Green” is trademarked, and the University of North Texas is the sole owner of distinction for its athletic program.

Baker later confirmed to USA Today late Tuesday night he was sending the cease and desist letter.

North Texas AD Wren Baker confirmed to me cease and desist letters will be going out tomorrow over “Mean Green” usage related to Michigan St — Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 4, 2017

The North Texas Daily will update this story with comments from the athletic department Wednesday.