"I have written about this many times over the years, always with the hope of never needing to mention it again. But the University of North Dakota, despite its big brains, is remarkably thick-skulled. Last year, the NCAA told UND it could no longer use its team nickname in post-season play. UND should have taken the deal.

By any measure, the Fighting Sioux name is one of the most offensive nicknames in the country. After years of controversy over the name, UND would have been smart to have seized upon the National Collegiate Athletic Association's decision as a gift: The university would not have had to cease completely its use of the name. It could continue to call its teams Fighting Sioux -- against all common sense and common decency. It just wouldn't be allowed to brandish the name in post-season play. This was as good as UND will get. And better than it deserves."

Get the Story:
Nick Coleman: Why does UND insist on being so hardheaded? (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 6/21)
pwlat

Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu
The Ralph - http://www.theralph.com
Fighting Sioux - http://www.fightingsioux.com

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