NCAA/Indian Mascots

TallySaint · 08-04-2005, 06:29 AM

Posted on Thu, Aug. 04, 2005

NCAA to discuss American Indian mascot issue today

By Steve Ellis, Tallahassee Democrat

T.K. Wetherell doesn't think it will come to this. But if the NCAA Executive Committee decides to ban the use of American Indian nicknames or symbols, the Florida State president wouldn't be afraid to strike back.

"I would not rule out a legal fight," Wetherell said. "Would we go to court under certain situations? Absolutely. Would the tribe? I'm certain that they would. We've been assured by (NCAA President) Myles Brand it won't happen, so we'll see.

"I don't think they are going to ban anything or penalize you."

But according to NCAA.org, Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee Chair Robert Vowels noted after a July meeting that he "expects things to change and to change quickly." That group did not recommended a ban in its report to the Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues.

The NCAA Executive Committee will hear recommendations from the Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues today.

The Executive Committee could come up with its own steps for addressing the issue, follow the recommendations of its subcommittee, leave it up to the institutions as it does now or delay any action.

"We think it is an institutional issue," Wetherell said. "We feel good about our relationship. The tribe feels good about the relationship. We just feel there are more important things for the NCAA to deal with and move on with it."

The tribal council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida passed a resolution June17 to reaffirm that support.

8)

08-04-2005, 06:29 AM	#1
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	NCAA/Indian Mascots Posted on Thu, Aug. 04, 2005 NCAA to discuss American Indian mascot issue today By Steve Ellis, Tallahassee Democrat T.K. Wetherell doesn't think it will come to this. But if the NCAA Executive Committee decides to ban the use of American Indian nicknames or symbols, the Florida State president wouldn't be afraid to strike back. "I would not rule out a legal fight," Wetherell said. "Would we go to court under certain situations? Absolutely. Would the tribe? I'm certain that they would. We've been assured by (NCAA President) Myles Brand it won't happen, so we'll see. "I don't think they are going to ban anything or penalize you." But according to NCAA.org, Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee Chair Robert Vowels noted after a July meeting that he "expects things to change and to change quickly." That group did not recommended a ban in its report to the Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues. The NCAA Executive Committee will hear recommendations from the Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues today. The Executive Committee could come up with its own steps for addressing the issue, follow the recommendations of its subcommittee, leave it up to the institutions as it does now or delay any action. "We think it is an institutional issue," Wetherell said. "We feel good about our relationship. The tribe feels good about the relationship. We just feel there are more important things for the NCAA to deal with and move on with it." The tribal council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida passed a resolution June17 to reaffirm that support. 8)