Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/27/2009

Question
U of Texas, QB McCoy is #12 and defensive back Thomas is #12.
Is it normal to have two players on the same team with the same number? Legal? Why?

Answer
William, hello1

The Texas Longhorns have 31 players that wear duplicate numbers!!  Go to their website (through the attached Rivals.com) and you will see that some play defense and offense, so it's not limited to one side of the ball.
They have a storied history but retired numbers wouldn't be the reason they're being used.  I will continue to search and let you know.  I bet when they get to the next couple of bowl games, you will hear a logical explanation.  It's obvious the NCAA has approved it.  


The basic rule is that it would be an Unfair Act, an Unsportsmanlike 15 yards, and penalized for having duplicate numbers, especially if it was an attempt to decieve.  It could have been an oversight on the part of the teams or the officials.  Many decades ago, the players didn't even wear numbers.  


If both teams approve and if the NCAA officials agree, then it could possibily be allowed, perhaps for a sentimental or memorial reason.   



If you find out before I do, please write back!!  Those 'Horns are strange!!






Take Care,

Thom Brooks
www.BrooksInsuranceSchool.com
Savannah Adult Baseball League

Please review the following websites. The first one is my youngest son's band! Listen2Three.com


The Official Web Site of the NCAA - NCAA.org - NCAA.org




http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828...

ncaa.org/library/rules/2006/2006_football_rules.pdf

Rivals.com

D1AFootball.com

Big Ten vs. SEC


SportingNews.com - Your expert source for MLB Baseball, NFL Football,

Football.com

The Sports Network - I-AA College Football Historical Scores -
The Sports Network Football Bowl Subdivision

HickokSports.com - History - Index to Football

REFEREE, the Magazine for Sports Officials


National Association of Sports Officials


Sports Team Name Origins