Sports can unite us, sports can divide us, and sports can make us lose our right to wear pants. For Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan Chris Matthews, the last was the case. After making a bet with friends about the 2001 Grey Cup (CFL’s Super Bowl), Matthews lost his ability to wear pants as Winnipeg, the favorites, lost to the Calgary Stampeders. Now after 18 long years of bracing the Canadian winter in nothing but shorts, Matthews can finally save his legs from the bitter cold of the tundra around him. The Blue Bombers absolutely beat up on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats by a score of 33 to 12. 

This win by the Blue Bombers has allowed Matthews to bust out the pants from the back of his closet and wear them once more. The story has become that of a legend in the Manitoba Province. The man with only shorts was able to reintroduce the pants as soon as the game ended and was interviewed by the CBC immediately following the win. Matthews said “The game? Fabulous. The outcome? Fabulous. Wearing the pants? I’m not so sure yet because it’s all so new to me now.” The feeling of coverings on his lower legs must have shocked him after 18 years of nothing. 

It is safe to say, stupid bets will unite us all in misery and happiness.