NCAA caving in on Indian nicknames

As George Orwell once wrote, "Some ideas are so stupid only intellectuals can believe them."

From AP:

The NCAA spent four years studying the use of American Indian nicknames. It took less than a month for the governing body to start backpedaling.

With university presidents threatening lawsuits, complaining about the rationale and openly questioning the Aug. 5 decision to ban Indian mascots, logos and nicknames from postseason tournaments, the NCAA has responded with unusual speed in making alterations.

Three schools have won appeals to be removed from the original list of 18 offenders, and more are expected. But that hasn't stopped the torrent of criticism.

Three schools have won appeals to be removed from the original list of 18 offenders, and more are expected. But that hasn't stopped the torrent of criticism. "I think anything can be taken to the extreme," Central Michigan president Michael Rao said. "What I think still needs to happen, more than words, is that we need to focus on how people are treated. What's in a name? Not as much as behavior."

From student dorms to administration offices, the NCAA's unprecedented move has touched off a wave of emotions from coast to coast. Florida State hired a high-powered attorney and threatened legal action to retain its Seminoles nickname. The University of North Dakota, home of the Fighting Sioux, suggested the NCAA breached its contract to host a national hockey tournament. Central Michigan criticized the NCAA for ignoring a long-standing agreement between the school and a local tribe permitting the use of Chippewas as its nickname.

The tide in this PC battle may be turning....