Harry Reid calls on leaders to reconsider UNLV mascot, nickname

Fox 5 Vegas ^ | 06/24/2015 | Kerry Kinsey

[SeekAndFind]

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) - Speaking to reporters in Washington Tuesday, Sen. Harry Reid called on Nevada higher education officials to consider changing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' mascot and sports nickname.

The statements came after a shooting in South Carolina that claimed nine lives sparked debate about displays of the Confederacy.

On the campus of UNLV Tuesday, it was difficult to find anyone who believes the mascot, Hey Reb!, should be changed.

“What happened over there is a tragedy of course, but what's happening here on campus is what's happening on campus. Go Rebels,” student Billy Watts said.

“I don't think their mascot has anything to do with the tragedy that's going on in South Carolina or anything like that. People are taking this stuff to a new level it doesn't need to go to,” student Amanda Spang said.

Tony Allen, with UNLV's Office of Media Relations, on Tuesday issued the following statement:

“UNLV's current mascot, Hey Reb!, was created in 1982 by late local artist Mike Miller and was inspired by western trailblazers of the 1800s. It was intended to be reflective of western independence and spirit and has become one of the most beloved mascots in college athletics."

[Mich Patriot]

You forgot “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol.

[Baynative]

Can't figure out which way the liberal thought police will go with Texas Tech, either ...

Is it good from a "red" point of view, or maybe a slap at Indians? ...aww geez.

[Impala64ssa]

Anyone remember the Rambler Rebel? This car was produced by American Motors while George Romney was CEO. Maybe Mitt should be forced to do some mea culpas on behalf of his father. And any Rebels still on the road should be crushed in the name of political correctness. Absurd.

[skimbell]

Maybe, but this whole thing gives me an opportunity to air a pet peeve that I've had for quite awhile.

SOUTH Dakota, SOUTH Carolina, SOUTH America, SOUTH side of Chicago are all places/names that at first glance seem innocent enough but C'MON people! Can't you see that "SOUTH" is a "code word" for you know what.

GOTTA change them all. I'm offended, and by God that's what matters (in addition to black lives), but you get what I mean.

[CAluvdubya]

Maybe even Southern Fried Chicken.

You, for sure, aren't allowed to say Fried Chicken and Watermelon in the same sentence...

[Political Junkie Too]

Rebel Rebel, by David Bowie?

-PJ

[ZULU]

I guess when we have Civil War movies and re-enactments, the Confederates will have to use a large plain white flag with a large question mark on it.

[CAluvdubya]

Pretty sure a white flag is rasiss!

[jospehm20]

I hope his exercise equipment kicks his butt again.

[erod]

Larry Reid! Paging a Mr. LaRRY REid!