Jalen Brunson’s Championship Hat: A Stinky Situation

You might assume that an NBA Championship hat would be something a player cherishes, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson. After the Knicks celebrated their long-awaited title in June, Brunson revealed that his championship hat is still tucked away in a bag.

And honestly, the odor it may carry is keeping him from taking it out. In a recent episode of his podcast, “Roommates Show,” alongside teammate Josh Hart, Brunson mentioned, “Mine is still not washed; it’s in the bag, and I’m afraid to open it. It smells terrible: Champagne, sweat, cigars, food, beer, tequila.” It sounds like a recipe for the most unpleasant scent imaginable.

Leaving something like that in a sealed bag? Not the best idea. It’s probably like a science experiment at this point. Who knows what kind of small civilization might be forming in there? It could be that the hat is harboring—wait for it—potentially three eyes at this stage.

I’ve heard tales—definitely not from me, of course—about someone who forgot a sweaty hat in a bag for ages, then stashed it away in a closet. This particular closet had access through a bathroom, which created just the right humidity for, well, mold or some form of living organism to start thriving from that hat. It was quite the horror story, and honestly, I fear that Jalen Brunson’s championship hat could be facing a similar fate.

I hope I’m mistaken about this, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s the dos and don’ts when it comes to dealing with hat funk.