Posted on 08/20/2005 7:52:29 PM PDT by Crackingham
Florida State was here just two weeks ago - seemingly on the cusp of a favorable decision by the NCAA regarding its Seminoles nickname and imagery. The NCAA said Friday that approval from a "namesake" tribe will be considered a primary factor when the review process begins next week for schools appealing the use of American Indian nicknames and symbols. That should be a positive development for FSU, one of 18 schools that the NCAA Executive Committee ruled on Aug.5 to have "hostile or abusive" nicknames, symbols or imagery.
"We're very encouraged by (the NCAA) using the word 'namesake' tribe," Wetherell said. "We're very encouraged by the idea that there are unique relationships that need to be considered - not a blanket policy. I think the idea that they're trying to clear 'em up relatively quick is a good move. ... Those things are encouraging to us but we still want to see the final letter saying that Florida State can go forward."
The Seminole Tribe of Florida formally backed FSU on June17. Partly because of that support, FSU President T.K. Wetherell had not expected the Executive Committee's decision two weeks ago that would ban FSU from hosting NCAA postseason events or displaying the Seminoles nickname or related logos and imagery in such events after Feb.1. FSU appealed the decision on Aug.12, and at this point is the only school to have filed an appeal. But Utah and North Dakota are planning to appeal, officials from both schools said. Wetherell has asked the NCAA to make a decision by Aug.29, the first day of fall classes. He has promised court action if the NCAA decision is not reversed.
The review process will be conducted by the NCAA staff and headed by Bernard Franklin, senior vice president for governance and membership. The NCAA said "the staff's decisions may be reviewed by the NCAA's Executive Committee."
Wetherell did not know whether FSU's case will be reviewed next week and has not been given a timetable.
"I'm assuming sooner than later," he said. "What sooner means, I don't know. We still believe by the 29th we need to have it resolved, and they seem to be amenable to that."
The NCAA Executive Committee met late Thursday to approve the appeals process, and NCAA President Myles Brand issued a statement Friday.
"We recognize that there are many points of view associated with this issue, and we also know that some Native American groups support the use of mascots and imagery and some do not; that is why we will pay particular attention to special circumstances associated with each institution," Brand said.
I wouldn't go so far as to say it has outlived its purpose or usefulness, but just that the leadership, like that of so many other institutions, has fallen prey to political correctness motives of the left.
Maybe you could enlighten me, however...I might be lacking some info :)
It's suddenly so de-lightful, so de-licious, so de-lovely that tribes are now endorsing the proscribed names on the s-list.......which suddenly makes everything peachy keen the with nomenclature nazis.
Someone actually writes these idiotic statements with a straight face?
What BS.
Leni
Doesn't anyone think it strange that the NCAA is based in INDIANapolis, INDIANa? When are they going to move in protest?
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