As I expected, Florida State University intends to fight ? “pursue all legal avenues” ? the NCAA’s ridiculous ban. Since the Seminole Tribe of Florida endorses FSU’s use of the Seminole as its mascot, what business is it of the NCAA’s to declare it offensive? (The NCAA says other Seminole tribes outside of Florida haven’t given FSU their approval.)
Florida State President T.K. Wetherell called the NCAA’s ban “outrageous and insulting,” and it is. “This university will forever be associated with the ‘unconquered’ spirit of the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said Wetherell, sounding like an unconquered spirit himself. He added that, “It is unconscionable that the Seminole Tribe of Florida has been ignored.” Spot-on.
Oh, and then he turns the tables on the athletics cabal: “That the NCAA would now label our close bond with the Seminole Tribe of Florida as culturally ‘hostile and abusive’ is both outrageous and insulting.”
I’ve been to a football game in Tallahassee; it’s an exciting venue. If the NCAA thinks FSU’s use of the Seminole is to dishonor it, I sure didn’t see it. Folks there love it when Chief Osceola takes the field, and why not? He’s a powerful symbol, an image of strength, one you’d want your athletics teams to emulate. Like wolves, cavaliers, pirates, etc.
(OK, so that doesn’t explain turkeys or terrapins or ? especially ? a smudged foot, I agree ? but likely that foot was a lot more terrifying before Scotchguard?! Say, my heritage is Scots ? should I be offended by Scotchguard?)
