The USOC Changes Its Tune On Uniforms

The other day it was learned that the designer of the American uniforms for the opening and closing London Olympic ceremonies, Ralph Lauren, had the uniforms made in a Chinese sweat shop -- instead of made by American garment workers. A lot of people were upset about that (including me), but the U.S. Olympic Committee tried to play it off as unimportant.

But the USOC had obviously underestimated the firestorm this had created. Now they have come to their senses. They announced that while it was too late for anything to be done this year (since the uniforms are being handed out this week in London), they will not make the same mistake in the future. They said they have had discussions with Ralph Lauren (who will be designing the uniforms through 2020) and all American uniforms in the future will be made in the United States by American workers -- starting with the Winter Olympic uniforms in 2014.

The USOC chief executive officer said, "We take seriously the concerns we've heard from members of Congress and the American public regarding the U.S. Olympic Team's Opening and Closing ceremonies uniforms. . . With athletes having already arrived in London, and the apparel distribution process beginning this weekend, we are unfortunately not able to make a change for London. We are absolutely committed, however, to working with our sponsors to ensure that the concerns voiced are addressed."

The Ralph Lauren company also addressed the situation saying, "Ralph Lauren promises to lead the conversation within our industry and our government addressing the issue of increasing manufacturing in the United States and has committed to producing the Opening and Closing ceremony Team USA uniforms in the United States that will be worn for the 2014 Olympic Games."

I'm glad both the USOC and Ralph Lauren have finally realized what a serious mistake they made -- and rectified it. But simple common sense should have told them this in the first place.