NCAA nixes nicknames (Central Michigan and Saginaw Chippewas balk)

Mt Pleasant Morning Sun ^ | 8-6-05

[Mercat]

A few years ago my brother was lead plaintiff's counsel against the NCAA in an anti-trust case involving assistant BB coaches. (he won big) At the trial, the NCAA lawyers wore bowties and did a p*ss poor job of cross examining the witnesses. There were something like five of them. Not very pretty.

[RedEyeJack]

I have always been offended by the "Fighting Irish" nickname... Very non-PC. Makes them sound like combative drunkards or... something.

Would the NCAA object to the "Booger Eaters"? Has a kind of elegance and cache to it, doesn't it?

[petitfour]

Why don't teams just pull out of the NCAA? And form their own governing body.

[somniferum]

The NCAA prohibited Mississippi State from hosting a basketball tournament because of Mississippi's state flag. These guys are out of control.

[FatherofFive]

the NCAA deem "hostile or abusive," including Florida State's use of the Seminole name

Some Indians 'insulted' by the FSU football program and all of its national attention? But they are 'proud' of the gambling casinos, smoke shops and alcoholism on the reservations?

[Dane]

This reminds me of the Eastern Michigan Hurons case where whites demanded a name change, and the Hurons themselves balked

Next some liberal will say that he has talked to wolverines and buckeyes and they also feel insulted, and I'm only half joking.

[machman]

Much like CMU, Florida State has received permission from the Seminole tribe in Florida to use the nickname. The NCAA, however, made its decision based on a different standard.

"Other Seminole tribes are not supportive," said Charlotte Westerhaus, the NCAA vice president for diversity and inclusion.

I see, so basically, the standard is if a small minority or even if only one person is offended, you can't use the nickname. I'm part Irish, perhaps part Viking (maybe?), can I now get the NCAA to ban the Fighting Irish and Viking mascots? Why not Trojans, Spartans, Cowboys, or any other mascot based on a person. I'm sure SOMEBODY is offended by all of them.

[wildbill]

Does anyone in their right mind think that schools choose nicknames and logos to be 'abusive and hostile' to Native Americans? Does a nation design a flag for hostile and abusive reasons or does it represent all that is implied by its nickname: "Old Glory"

Nicknames and logos are chosen to associate the school with positive virtues such as courage and steadfastness which are deemed to be part of Native American culture.

[Tallguy]

When was the last time CMU was selected for the NCAA basketball tourney, or played in the (division II or III) football playoffs? I'm not trying to be smart, but I suspect that this is aimed more at Florida State (Seminoles). I also wonder how the NCAA proposes to keep the fans from donning warpaint, team logo's and performing the hugely annoying "Tomahawk Chop"?

[Ed_in_NJ]

It's already been done: USC = Trojans!

[Ed_in_NJ]

Fortunately, there is an antitrust suit currently against the NCAA. Don't know what we could do to support it (it would break up their monopoly of college sports), but maybe other FReepers could advise.

[gwjack]

It was the executive committee that made the decision. See if you have connection with any of the decision makers. Executive Committee. If you do, make them feel your displeasure.

Gwjack

[Doc Savage]

I didn't need to see that! My eyes, my eyes, oh, the burning...................

[senorita]

Actually "Chippewa" is a mispronunciation of "Objibwa." It's not my tribal affiliation, but just a piece of trivia I read somewhere.

But as an American Indian myself, I find it silly that so many tribes are offended by the depiction of "Natives" with war garb and spears as team mascots.

I am proud to be depicted as fierce and someone to be reckoned with!! Isn't that part of the sporting event anyway, to psych out the opposing team. (By the way, are the fighting Irish offended by that little Leprechaun image?)

[senorita]

Ooops! Didn't see post number 22 when I wrote that!

[USMA '71]

This all becomes very clear when you see people with job titles like: "NCAA Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion", and "President of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media". These positions are filled with people who can't possibly have enough to do to keep them busy for 8 hours a day! Positions like these are from where all this BS emanates - and the elimination of such positions is where we need to focus.

[John W]

Enjoy Myles Brand, people.Don't miss him here.

[Ciexyz]

"Braves" and "Warriors" seem to be a positive reference to Native American culture to me. "Redskins" could be deemed offensive, so in the sake of unity, I could see dropping that moniker.

But the decision should be made jointly by the college and the representative ruling body of tribe -- not by disgruntled individuals.

[Dan from Michigan]

When was the last time CMU was selected for the NCAA basketball tourney

2003 I believe. That's a shorter drought than the Michigan Wolverines. CMU benefits from a very large in-state basketball talent pool, so even the leftovers from the Big 10 aren't that bad.
Football is another story. I'm not sure when their last bowl game was(they are Division 1, MAC).