Let's put the rumors to rest: Darius Rucker, lead singer of the rock group Hootie and the Blowfish, did not attend Dartmouth College. He did not apply to Dartmouth, or even want to come here.
So why is Rucker, a University of South Carolina graduate, wearing a Dartmouth sweatshirt in "Let Her Cry," the band's chart-topping video?
"Comfort. It's his favorite sweatshirt," explains Jim Lawrence, a spokesman for the band. "Before [Rucker] lost it in a bet, he used to wear the sweatshirt all the time."
About three years ago, back when the band was still relatively unknown, Hootie and the Blowfish performed at a concert in New England. A female Dartmouth student attending the concert gave Rucker her sweatshirt, Lawrence said. Apparently, Rucker really liked the sweatshirt, so he wore it all the time.
When the band recorded its first video single, "Let Her Cry," it was only natural for Rucker to wear his favorite sweatshirt, Lawrence said.
Hootie fans may have noticed that Rucker has not been seen in his sweatshirt recently, however.
In a questionable move, Rucker bet the sweatshirt on the Miami Dolphins-San Diego Chargers play-off game in January. When the Dolphins lost, Rucker lost his sweatshirt, Lawrence said.
Rucker has been attempting to regain possession of the sweatshirt, but to no avail, Lawrence said.
Rucker, currently on tour, could not be reached for comment.