Column: Are Native American mascots 'hostile and abusive'?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011  

"Hostile and abusive. There is no wiggle room in that.

The NCAA used those words six years ago to describe schools using Native American mascots for their sports teams. They were strong-sounding words about ethics and heart.

Now, running right through the NCAA Tournament, onto the Sweet 16 with a real shot to go farther, is Florida State.

The Florida State Seminoles.

And is Florida State in violation of any rules, codes or unwritten conduct? Nope. The NCAA approves.

I’m not here to complain about Florida State’s mascot, as I’ve never been fully convinced that Native American imagery, when done without a cartoon feel, is offensive at all.

But after so many years, this debate is still ongoing. McMurry University, which dropped the name Indians nearly five years ago, announced that it will now be the War Hawks."

Get the Story:
Greg Couch: Is Native American imagery hostile and abusive or not? (AOL Sporting News 3/23)