Sports

Colleges

FSU is unlikely to alter mascot

By wire services
Published August 6, 2005

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What did the NCAA do?

The NCAA executive committee banned the use of American Indian mascots and symbols from NCAA postseason tournaments. That means schools such as Florida State cannot host NCAA postseason events, such as the regional baseball tournament that the Seminoles often host.

What will FSU have to do?

When FSU plays in NCAA tournaments, it will have to cover the Seminoles name or symbols such as spears and tomahawks on its uniforms, including those of the players, cheerleaders and band members.

Will FSU change is mascot?

Probably not. School president T.K. Wetherell issued a blistering statement saying he intends to "pursue all legal avenues to ensure that this unacceptable decision is overturned."

How does this affect the football team?

Not much at this point. Division I-A does not have an NCAA playoff system, and the NCAA doesn't govern the bowl system, so FSU can wear its traditional uniforms to any bowl game. The NCAA said it hopes the Bowl Championship Series, which governs the bowls that determine the BCS champion, will follow its lead, but the BCS is so far noncommittal.

When does this take effect?

The ban begins for any NCAA tournament after Feb. 1.

How many schools are affected and are there any exceptions?

The NCAA says at least 18 schools are affected, including Illinois, North Dakota and Utah. North Carolina-Pembroke, which uses the nickname Braves, will not face sanctions. NCAA president Myles Brand said the school's student body has historically admitted a high percentage of American Indians and more than 20 percent of the students are American Indians. NCAA officials said some schools using the Warrior nickname, such as the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, do not use Indian symbols and would not be affected. The College of William & Mary, nicknamed Tribe, was given an extension to complete its study of the issue.

What do the Seminole Indians think?

That depends on which ones you ask. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has strongly supported FSU, has a strong relationship with the university and believes the nickname honors the tribe. Seminole Indians elsewhere and other Indian advocacy groups have been outspoken against the name.

How did "Seminoles" become FSU's nickname?

It was chosen by a vote of the student body in 1947. "Statesmen" finished second, followed by "Rebels," "Tarpons," "Fighting Warriors" and "Crackers," according to the university's football media guide.

Why didn't the NCAA ban American Indian nicknames altogether?

The executive committee, a group of mostly college presidents that serves as the ruling body of the NCAA, decided the organization did not have the authority to bar Indian mascots by individual schools, but could control their use in its own tournaments.

How long has this issue been around?

In 1968, the National Congress of American Indians launched a campaign to address stereotypes found in print and in other media. Within five years, Dartmouth (Indians), Dickinson State (Savages) and Stanford (Indian) had dropped nicknames. In 1992, seven American Indians petitioned the U.S. Patent & Trademark office to overturn the trademark by the Washington franchise in the NFL on Redskins. Other schools that have changed include Marquette dropping Warriors in favor of Golden Eagles, St. John's from Redmen to Red Storm and Miami of Ohio from Redskins to Red Hawks.

Will broadcasters not be able to use nicknames like Seminoles during NCAA tournaments?

The NCAA hasn't spoken to television partners CBS (which has the men's NCAA basketball tournament) or ESPN (which carries 22 NCAA championships), yet that is likely to happen. "Obviously, we'll want some discussion as we go forward," ESPN spokesman Michael Humes said.

What are the financial ramifications for FSU?

Events such as the NCAA baseball region tournament are not revenue producers, so not being able to host them will not be a financial blow. Teams might have to replace batting helmets, golf club covers, warmups or other equipment that could create a major expense.

Information from the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune and Bloomberg News was used in this report.

[Last modified August 6, 2005, 01:43:02]

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