Apparently There's a Mustache Institute - and They're Having a Contest Involving Athletes

by Kyle Smith, Doberman on the Diamond

In a column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch today, there is a report about a contest involving athletes. And their mustaches.

Apparently, there is something called The American Mustache Institute (AMI). And it's real. The "Institute" is based in St. Louis, because, according to their website, it is "home to the world's largest mustache - the St. Louis Arch."

They even put out a press release in which Aaron Perlut, AMI's executive director said:

“We believe it is important to recognize the role of the mustache as an important part of Americana. We are working hard to bring the mustache back as a form of expression, not just for athletes, but for men of all races, creeds and cultures around the world.”

Why else are they doing this, you might ask? The reason is pretty simple. Mustache discrimination:

"Bias comes in many forms. And the end of the 1970s marked a significant turn - and began a dark period - of discrimination against mustached Americans. It became a fad reserved for the likes of law enforcement, steel workers, motor cross drivers, and members of the Village People."

So, you can go to their website and vote. The list of nominees are as follows:

- Adam Morrison


- Ben Davidson


- Clyde Frazier (Current Hair Color for Men spokesman)


- Conrad Dobler


- Dale Earnhardt, Sr.


- Rollie Fingers


- Goose Gossage


- Al Hrabosky


- Hulk Hogan


- Lanny McDonald


- Pete Weber


- Richard Petty