Duke, Arizona State players get Sun Bowl swag; some websites still joke about hair dryer gift

Even though they’re spending the holidays away from home, Christmas came early for Duke and Arizona State players.

They all get Timely Watch Co. watch; Ogio Politan backpack; Helen of Troy hair dryer; Majestic fleece pullover; and Top of the World cap.

They also got a chance to pick from a variety of gifts courtesy of the Sun Bowl Association at a special gift suite set up on Tuesday.

The NCAA sets a limit of $350 in merchandise that a player can receive from a bowl game.

For the Hyundai Sun Bowl, they could mix and match and pick from a wide selection of 80 items that included bicycles, tents, headphones, and even a recliner.

“I think we have one of the nicest packages of bowl gifts – don’t forget the hair dryer,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “Everybody makes fun of the hair dryer we give them but we’ve been doing that for 30 years and we’ll continue to give them hair dryers as a gift.”

Some sports writers on the web find that swag odd and funny – particularly the hair dryer.

“I can’t tell if this is a joke or an accident, but if you’re playing in the Hyundai Sun Bowl, you’re going home with a “Helen of Troy” hair dryer, among other things,” Bleacher Report wrote. “The dryer will pair up nicely with the “Majestic” pullover fleece players receive—perfect for that Eddie Bauer commercial they’ve all been waiting to shoot.”

Barstool U rated the hair dryer the No. 1 worst gift this year and last year.

“This was #1 last year, and I really have no choice but to leave it at the bottom. Just a horrible horrible gift that makes no sense whatsoever. Write up from last year still applies perfectly to this year too: Kind of feel like I’m getting trolled with this. Can’t be real right? A hair dryer for a bunch of testosterone filled men. Maybe they just figured since everyArizona State player has a smoking hot girlfriend they could re-gift it for some extra post-game (expletive)? Only explanation. Although maybe the Duke guys will like it.”