Will the real Snowman please stand up?
Caleb Williams received backlash from Skip Bayless for filing a trademark for the nickname “Iceman” earlier this month, with the sports personality saying the Bears quarterback is stealing the name originally coined by Basketball Hall of Famer George Gervin.
“I’m a Caleb Williams fan. But I was a huge fan of Iceman Jervin, and I’m offended that Caleb and Co. are trying to steal George’s all-time great title,” he said. Bayless was posted on X on Friday. “Unleashed today in Arena Gridiron at 2:30 East.”
Williams quickly responded to Bayliss, sarcastically accusing him of not knowing the meaning of theft.
“I don’t know where your fanbase stands.” Williams wrote on X. “I was trying to give you and everyone else the benefit of the doubt. About knowing the business and being smart about it. But I don’t think so. That’s foolish of me!”
Williams then attached a photo of the definition of the word “theft” and asked Bayliss to “enjoy this podcast.”
Bayless’ feud with the Bears QB comes as Caleb Williams Holding Inc. moves forward. filed four trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Administrator relating to the “Snowman” moniker on March 16.
Gervin, who spent 14 seasons in the NBA and ABA from 1972 to 1986, was upset that Williams was making demands, says ESPN He was “caught by surprise.”
“I’ve been the Iceman for 40 years,” Gervin said. “I never thought anyone would try to put a brand on it. It kind of took me out of the box.”
Four days after Williams filed for the title, Gervin Interests LLC filed two trademark applications of their own for “Iceman” and “Iceman 44,” which refers to the 73-year-old’s jersey number, likely sparking a trademark battle between the two.
Since Williams filed his application first, the USPTO may prefer his application over Gervin’s.
However, Gervin could claim that although he had not filed for the trademark, he was using the nickname before Williams, ESPN reported.
Additionally, UFC legend Chuck Liddell filed a trademark for “Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell” in 2023, which the USPTO may consider to be too similar to both Williams and Gervin.
A decision will likely be made several months away, according to ESPN.