Looks like Chief Illiniwek's fate is no longer really in the hands of anyone Illini. The NCAA just banned the use of American Indian mascots by sports teams during its postseason tournaments (although it will not prohibit them otherwise). "Nicknames or mascots deemed "hostile or abusive" would not be allowed by teams on their uniforms or other clothing beginning with any NCAA tournament after Feb. 1." The Chief has been barred from March Madness.Assuming the Illini Board of Trustee's sees this action as basically eliminating the Chief effectiveness as a mascot, it looks as if they have no option but to retire the Chief. While many on the BOT may be sighing relief as they now have a relatively legitimate cop-out/excuse to do so, I think it really sucks that Illinois will get rid of the Chief because of external regulations, rather than an internal decision. The decision on whether or not to keep Chief Illiniwek as our mascot should be made by Illini past, present, and future - not by the NCAA.
Guess the "Racial Stereotypes Dehumanize" people will be partying tonight. Who's voting to become the Illinois Drinkin' Lincoln?
