NFL Blockade On Harambe Jerseys Is a Great Opportunity for Chinese Bootleggers

Harambe just can’t catch a break. The deceased Western lowland gorilla has been an Internet sensation since he passed away on May 28. Apparently, the NFL has no sympathy for him though, as NFLShop has now banned fans from getting “HARAMBE” in the “name” section of personalized jerseys.

NFLShop now blocks fans wanting to get a HARAMBE nameplate on jerseys.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 14, 2016

Sad but true ? #RIPHarambe pic.twitter.com/nE4okY5ULC
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 14, 2016

Really NFL? REALLY? That’s just absolutely ridiculous. We can’t honor the memory of a gorilla who has inspired so many (mostly golf fans)?

The good news is you can still get an NHL jersey with his name on it:

Well you can always get a #mnwild jersey... #RIPHarambe pic.twitter.com/lq2a9Pd5Jl
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) September 14, 2016

The sad part is, you know there’s a guy named Steve Harambe out there who is super bummed right now.

While this is a cruel blow for Harambe fans, it is a great opportunity for companies that make bootlegged NFL jerseys. I’m not saying you should subvert the NFL’s block on Harambe nameplates by getting a Chinese knockoff jersey, but I’m not not saying it.