"On Friday afternoon, Herald staff writer Dorreen Yellow Bird called me seeking information on the proposed lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association. At the end of our conversation, she said she had written another column on the topic, and this time I see it is critical of me personally.

Following our conversation, she admitted there were errors in her column. But it was too late, she said, to rewrite. It already had been submitted for publication. Instead, she invited me to write a letter correcting her errors, which I appreciate the opportunity to do.

There is no point in reiterating the thoroughly debated underlying controversy over whether UND should change its nickname. The arguments on both sides are well-known.

But let me explain what the job is for me. The attorney general represents clients, specifically the state of North Dakota and its agencies and institutions. Under the Constitution, no one has the authority to represent the state except the attorney general through his duly appointed assistant attorneys general and special assistant attorneys general. No state agency may simply go out and hire an attorney to bring a lawsuit, as Yellow Bird suggests."

Get the Story:
Wayne Stenehjem: Here's my role in the NCAA suit (The Grand Forks Herald 10/4)
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aRelevant 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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