"The black uniforms and the statues didn't work magic for FSU football.

But let's say this while the bandwagon idles: FSU's use of the Seminoles nickname may not be the worst thing in the world.

For years, I've been in the opposite camp. I thought the use of American Indian nicknames by sports teams was inappropriate and unnecessary because they offended so many American Indians.

But increasingly, I'm thinking maybe you've got to go case by case.

Clearly, not all Indian nicknames are appropriate. But if a tribe finds honor and benefit in the use of its name, perhaps that's acceptable - and reason for this critic to stand down for a while."

Get the Story:
Gerald Ensley: Relation of FSU, tribe distinctive (The Tallahassee Democrat 10/25)

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NCAA Update:
Status of Indian Mascot Policy (April 28, 2006)

NCAA Executive Committee Decision:
Native American Mascot Appeals Decisions (April 28, 2006)

NCAA Staff Decision on Fighting Sioux:
Statement by NCAA Senior Vice-President for Governance and Membership Bernard Franklin on University of North Dakota Review(September 28, 2005)

NCAA Policy on Indian Mascots:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
William and Mary - http://www.wm.edu
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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