NCAA Mascot Mayhem Continues–Jonathan Munk

The future of the 17 remaining schools on the NCAA’s list of colleges with “hostile and abusive” nicknames and logos will probably depend on how good the relationship is between the school and the associated tribe.

Florida State escaped a costly rebranding two weeks ago, citing support and an ongoing positive relationship between the school and the Seminole tribe. The University of Utah also sent in an appeal to the NCAA yesterday, in hopes of being taken off the offenders list as well. In their appeal, the U of U stated they no longer use Ute warrior mascot, cartoon imagery, feathered headbands for their drill team, Indian “cheers,” or “Redskins” moniker. Between these and the U’s positive relationship with the Ute tribe, I expect them to be able to continue using their current logo.

The University of North Dakota has not been so lucky.

UND suffered a setback yesterday in their appeal to continue using the “Fighting Sioux” name and logo. A Sioux tribe from the state called UND’s logo “an affront to the dignity and well-being of the members of Spirit Lake.”

More than 70 Spirit Lake tribe members approved the resolution, and the Tribal Council is expected to approve it by Friday. This resolution is likely to force UND to change their logo and nickname unless some other support from another Sioux tribe can be found.

For the schools not fortunate enough to be taken off the “black list,” re-branding will be expensive. There will probably be plenty of discussion about who should pay for the new logo design, uniforms, promotional products, etc. Hopefully the NCAA will have made enough money selling “hostile and abusive” university merchandise on their website (www.shopncaasports.com) to aid in costly re-branding efforts.