NCAA: Chief Illiniwek bad, Fighting Illini OK, Illini are not Indians

Does any of this make sense? If it does for you, then apply for a job with the NCAA.

From AP:

The University of Illinois' use of the "Fighting Illini" nickname is acceptable, but its tradition of a buckskin-clad student dancing at home sporting events is not, the NCAA declared Friday as it upheld the school's exclusion from hosting postseason tournaments.

The NCAA staff review committee also castigated the school for an Indian head logo that appears on officially licensed T-shirts and other merchandise. The logo does not appear on any team uniforms but remains approved for use, an athletic department spokesman said.

"The issue of the logo mark ... that depicts a Native American in feathered headdress adds to the use of Native American imagery that the broadest range of indigenous tribes and peoples find offensive and insulting," said Bernard Franklin, the NCAA's senior vice president for governance and membership

.
More...

In its appeal, Illinois said the "Fighting Illini" and "Illini" nicknames were derived from the name of the state, not from the name of a tribe, and refers not only to its teams, but also to students, alumni and others "who wish to associate themselves in a positive way with Illinois' largest public university."

"I am pleased the NCAA recognized what we've maintained all along," said UI Board of Trustees Chairman Lawrence C. Eppley. "Illini is a name taken from the name of our patron state and "Fighting Illini" refers to our university's winning spirit and drive to excel."

And a little bit more...

The appeal review committee asked Illinois to educate students, alumni and the public about the origin of the Illini nickname and how it is not associated with American Indians.

From Wikipedia:

Illinois (pronounced / or "ill-i-NOY") constitutes the 21st state of the United States, located in the former Northwest Territory. Its name was given by the state's French explorers after the indigenous Illiniwek people, a consortium of Algonquin tribes that thrived in the area. The word Illiniwek means simply "the people."

Real clear....

UPDATE 12:25 AM Nov. 12: The Fighting Illini play Purdue today in a battle of Big 10 football cellar denizens. As with many Big 10 gridiron contests, there is a trophy at stake; the winner gets the "The Cannon." Next week, Illinois plays Northwestern, the winner of that game takes home the politically insensitive "Sweet Sioux Tomahawk."

Technorati tags: Illiniwek Illini NCAA Mascots
Native Purdue Northwestern