AMI sent the following e-mail to the public relations department of the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association. You can read the exciting response from Nets management here. And you can read AMI's official statement on the incident here.

Mssrs. Sussman & Harris,

It has come to the attention of the American Mustache Institute (AMI), an advocacy organization fighting discrimination against mustached Americans, that Jason Kidd's new and rather delicious mustache has come under the scrutiny of ESPN, as well as Jason's oft-injured and folicly deprived teammate Vince Carter.

We would like to offer Jason and the Nets organization our support, as it's important to understand the history and role of the mustache in American sports. The end of the 1970s marked a significant turn - and began a dark period - of discrimination against mustached Americans. While until then it was fashionable to wear a mustache - whether it be on the hardwood, playing field, or in the office - virtually overnight it became a fad reserved for the likes of law enforcement, steel workers, motor cross drivers, and members of the Village People.

AMI continues to battle negative stereotyping that has accompanied the mustache since those glory years of the 1970s - fighting to create a climate of acceptance, understanding, flavor saving, and upper lip warmth for all mustached Americans alike.

If there is anything we can do to support Jason, his mustache, or even offer mustache acceptance counseling and medical advice to Vince so that he doesn't injure his ankle on a routine layup while completely unguarded - please let us know.

We would also welcome Jason to participate in our Monthly Mustache Interview which you can read here.

Thank you.