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Deshaun Watson street sign in hometown causing funding problems
Who knew a street sign commemorating a national title winner could cause so much drama?
Gainesville, Ga., is finding that out, as the hometown of Deshaun Watson was threatened with the loss of federal transportation funding because of the color scheme used on a sign honoring the former Clemson quarterback, according to WDUN.
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Watson, a Gainesville High graduate and who led Clemson to the 2016 national title while graduating in three years, had a sign named in his honor on Feb. 26 — “Deshaun Watson Way.” It is red and white — his high school’s colors — and that apparently is the cause for all the commotion.
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration sent Georgia’s Department of Transportation an email recently saying that the color of the Watson sign does not comply with codes, which jeopardizes future federal funding for the city.
From the station:
“The DOT’s decision to respond to a small city’s celebratory act by threatening to withdraw its federal funding is an egregious example of abuse at the hands of federal bureaucrats. As many sections of our nation’s infrastructure are in disrepair, I am amazed that the DOT has prioritized targeting the entranceway of a local school,” (Congressman Doug) Collins said.
“We’re calling on them to fix this. My Deputy Chief of Staff has talked to them,” Collins added.
“This is why people are frustrated with the federal government, right here.”
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And because no politician curries favor with his constituents without drumming up a little spice, Gainesville Mayor Danny Dunagan floated a theory, in light of this year’s national title game:
“The DOT’s approach to this issue is inappropriate, and I only hope it was not driven by Crimson Tide sympathies,” added Collins.
Why not, right?
For more Clemson news, visit TigerIllustrated.com.
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Matt Fortuna is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
