Bank of America's Charlotte Chief Forced to Don Niners Gear

It's standard practice for mayors and governors to make bets in favor of their hometown sports teams.

Apparently, bankers get in on the act, too.

Charles Bowman, Charlotte market president for Bank of America (BAC), lost a bet with his counterpart in San Francisco, Martin Richards, that his city's Carolina Panthers would defeat the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL playoff game.

Unfortunately for Bowman, the 49ers defeated the Panthers last weekend by a final score of 23-10. A failed attempt by Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton to convert a fourth down from the 49ers one-yard line proved to be a decisive play.

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Losing the wager didn't put much of a dent in Bowman's wallet, but it did take a large bite out of his pride. Bowman was forced to wear a costume of Sourdough Sam, the 49ers' mascot.

Making things even more embarrassing, Bowman had to provide proof online: He posted a photo of himself on Twitter, wearing the garb of the detested 49er mascot.

The picture was accompanied by Bowman's comment, "Making good on my bet. After yesterday's crushing loss, here I am as Sourdough Sam." The tweet also used the "#KeepPounding" hashtag, which is the name of a Panthers' effort to raise money for cancer.

If Carolina had won the game, Richards would have had to don a costume of Sir Purr, the Panthers' mascot.

Earlier in the week Bowman posted a picture of himself toting a Panthers helmet and wearing a jersey.

At least Bowman wasn't required, a la 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, to plaster himself with fake tattoos and kiss his own bicep.