U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) will be wearing Nova Navy after losing a bet to senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) over the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.
Burr congratulated his colleague in the United States Senate following Toomey's home-state Villanova Wildcats' buzzer-beating 77-74 win over Burr's home-state North Carolina Tar Heels Monday night. Burr tweeted he would be wearing Nova's colors after losing the bet. [[374586161, C]]
The terms of the bet ensured that the losing senator feels the agony of defeat very publicly. The losing senator must wear the winning team’s hat and T-shirt in photos posted on social media.
“With Naismith National Coach of the Year Jay Wright at the helm in Philadelphia, the Villanova Wildcats have proven themselves elite all season long,” said Sen. Toomey before the game. “... I know Richard likes wearing powder blue, but I hope he’s also comfortable in navy and white. Go Nova!” [[372612721, C]]
Burr was just as confident before Kris Jenkins' game-winner sent Nova to victory.
“North Carolina has a rich tradition of excelling at college basketball and I’m confident that the Tar Heels will uphold that tradition tonight,” said Burr. “Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks; North Carolina is known for basketball. Since the tournament began in 1936, the state of North Carolina has sent 22 teams to the national championship and brought back 12 titles. I’m sure Villanova will put up a good fight. The sky will be Carolina blue tomorrow and Senator Toomey will be wearing a Tar Heel jersey to match.”
No word yet on when Burr will pay his debt.
