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NCAA Rejects Bradley Nickname Appeal

.c The Associated Press 

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - The NCAA has rejected Bradley University's bid to be 
taken off a list of colleges whose American Indian nicknames, mascots and logos 
will be banned in postseason play starting next year.

An NCAA staff review committee ruled Thursday that the Braves nickname 
creates an environment where fans, opponents and others can exhibit behavior hostile 
and abusive to Native Americans.

``By continuing to use Native American references in nicknames, institutions 
assume responsibility over an environment they can not fully control,'' the 
committee's written ruling said.

The committee commended Bradley for dropping its American Indian mascot and 
logos about a decade ago. But it also said Bradley could have sent a clear 
signal of respect for American Indians by also dropping its nearly 70-year-old 
nickname.

Bradley released a two-sentence statement saying the private college ``now is 
considering its options, which could include an appeal to the Executive 
Committee of the NCAA.'' University officials declined further comment.

Bradley has argued the nickname now symbolizes attributes such as courage and 
honor. The school also said the NCAA was inconsistent when it applied the 
ban, allowing eight schools to use the nickname Warriors because they have 
dropped mascots and logos, like Bradley.

The 6,100-student school was among 18 schools banned in August from using 
American Indian nicknames, mascots and logos in postseason play, beginning next 
year. The schools also are barred from hosting postseason events.

The Florida State Seminoles, Central Michigan Chippewas and Utah Utes were 
exempted because of support from local American Indian tribes. An appeal by the 
North Dakota Fighting Sioux was rejected because it did not have the backing 
of Sioux tribes in the state. Illinois is awaiting a decision on its bid to be 
removed from the list.


 
10/20/05 20:22 EDT