Vitter to NFL: Drop copyright claim or 'sue me'

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) urged the NFL to drop its copyright claim of a rallying cry for the New Orleans Saints, goading Commissioner Roger Goodell to sue him otherwise.

After Vitter's Senate opponent, Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.), launched a petition urging the National Football League (NFL) to drop a copyright claim for the phrase "Who dat?" Vitter responded by saying he'll print his own shirts with the phrase, which would leave him open to a suit from the league.

"This letter will also serve as formal legal notice that I am having t-shirts printed that say 'WHO DAT say we can't print Who Dat!' for widespread sale in commerce," Vitter wrote in an email to Goodell. "Please either drop your present ridiculous position or sue me."

The NFL has sent cease-and-desist letters to merchants who sell products using the phrase, which is a rallying cry for the Saints, who will play the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, Feb. 7.

The controversy over the phrase quickly became a game in political one-upsmanship on Friday, with both Melancon and Vitter jockeying to be seen as the most anti-NFL candidate.