A proposed name for a prospective CFL team in Halifax is touching off an explosive debate on social media.
On Twitter, CFL in Halifax pitched the idea of calling the football team the Halifax Explosions -- a reference to the devastating explosion in the Halifax harbour in 1917 that killed about 2,000 people.
The group enthusiastically promoted the moniker, saying that 100 years ago "a force was unleashed that made this city stronger, bigger, and more united than ever before."
IT'S TIME FOR: The Halifax Explosions! 100 years ago a force was unleashed that made this city stronger, bigger, and more united than ever before. Now, we channel that force onto the football field as we flatten all that stands in our way. #CFLinHalifax #History #Halifax #CFL pic.twitter.com/Z37IJOjdBm
— CFL in Halifax (@CFLinHalifax) January 29, 2018
We take the past and make it our future. The Halifax Explosions team concept is the manifestation of our history and our powerful culture. A sign to our opponents that danger is on its way. And history will be made. #CFLinHalifax #CFL #Halifax pic.twitter.com/MyvhUDlnJ2
— CFL in Halifax (@CFLinHalifax) January 29, 2018
Ignite the league with something that will never be forgotten. These blazing hot uniform concepts for The Halifax Explosions is the last thing other teams would see before realizing it's too late. What do you think? Would this team concept ever make it to the #CFL? #CFLinHalifax pic.twitter.com/IbmnGWuG92
— CFL in Halifax (@CFLinHalifax) January 29, 2018
It didn't take long for people to register their disapproval.
One person slammed the idea, saying, "You want to profit off the deaths of 2,000 people? It's in really poor taste," while another tweeted, "I grew up in Dartmouth and this is an absolutely asinine idea."
The league has confirmed it has been in talks with a "professional, enthusiastic and impressive" group of prospective owners rallying for a Halifax franchise.