In October, 49ers safety Donte Whitner announced that he was changing his last name to "Hitner" as some sort of protest against the NFL fining him for hits on opposing players. We're not quite sure how the logic works (never mind that it's one letter removed from the name of one of the worst men in human history), but Whitner withdrew his application Tuesday, the same day it was to be considered by the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Probate Court.
He explained the reasoning via Twitter:
I had to withdraw the name change until after the season. Judge wouldn't allow it without me being present...
— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) November 19, 2013
Donte Whitner withdrew his name-change application. Here’s the rundown of docket events in this whole thing: pic.twitter.com/VA2MxlND6o
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) November 19, 2013
The Sacramento Bee reports that the case was scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET but the court's website notes that Whitner's case had been dismissed: "JUDGMENT ENTRY. APPLICANT TO WITHDRAW APPLICATION FOR NAME CHANGE. THEREFORE, THIS MATTER IS HEREBY DISMISSED. OSJ."
Good news: It sounds like Whitner will follow through with the name-change plan this offseason. Hey, it gives hims something to look forward to.
