David Braun defends Northwestern denying Tulane from wearing jerseys for memory of Hurricane Katrina

Northwestern fell to Tulane 23-3 on the road during Saturday’s season opener. However, what was looked at as a typical non-conference matchup had a underlying storyline attached.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall revealed that Northwestern declined their request to wear uniforms honoring Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas in Aug. 2005.

Sumrall addressed this in his postgame press conference on Saturday. On Monday, Wildcats head coach David Braun defended the blocked request.

“Certainly not a gesture of disrespect, but the timing of the request did impact our ability to honor the request,” Braun said on Monday, via ESPN.

According to Braun, Northwestern received Tulane’s uniform request on Aug. 17. However, the Wildcats had already set their white uniforms, as well as the purple decals on their white helmets. According to ESPN, uniform changes are typically requested several months in advance.

With less than two weeks notice, Northwestern declined. This was made public through Sumrall’s comments after the game where the head coach noted his opinion on Northwestern’s decision to not allow Tulane to open their season honoring the tragic event.

“When you disrespect the city of New Orleans, you’re going to run into it. … I’m not trying to be a jerk but don’t disrespect the City of New Orleans,” Sumrall said.

Braun revealed that he reached out to Sumrall after the Tulane coaches comments, and Sumrall picked up the phone. Braun said he appreciated that.

“I don’t pretend to understand what the city of New Orleans has been through, but what I can tell you is this university and myself have a tremendous amount of respect for the impact that Hurricane Katrina had on New Orleans and that region,” Braun said.

“I had an opportunity to see it firsthand … it was devastating. … Having a chance to return to New Orleans for the first time since that trip, where that city’s at right now is a reflection of the people that call it home.”

The game was played 20 years and one day following the hurricane, which appeared to be the perfect opportunity for Tulane, whose football program was greatly impacted by the tragedy, to honor their city. Instead of wearing the requested uniform, they sported green helmets and jerseys to go along with white pants.

Northwestern will look to move on and capture its first win of the season against W Illinois on Friday night. Meanwhile, a 2-0 start to the year for Tulane is in sight with a Saturday night matchup against South Alabama on the road.