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News Nuggets, 09.21.05
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Indian mascot ban extended to bowl games

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA is requiring bowl games to ban the ``hostile'' or ``abusive'' use of American Indian nicknames, mascots and logos beginning next year.

On Tuesday, the NCAA announced it is extending its prohibition to include bowl games. The decision was made after Bowl Championship Series officials sought a ruling after determining it could not impose the prohibition, NCAA spokesman Bob Williams said.

Only one Division I-A school, the University of Illinois, will be affected.

``We received a written request from the BCS to take appropriate action as it related to bowl games,'' Williams said. ``The BCS didn't feel it had the governance structure to do what was necessary.''

In August, the NCAA released a list of 18 ``offenders,'' four of which play Division I-A football. But three, Florida State, Central Michigan and the University of Utah, have already been granted extensions, dropping the number of schools to 15. The University of North Dakota also has filed an appeal, the NCAA said earlier this week.

NCAA Divisions I-AA, II and III were already included in the ban because they have a playoff system. The NCAA announced in August that the ban would be imposed at all NCAA championships. That is scheduled take effect in February.

Although the NCAA does not run bowl games, it does sanction them. So the governing body agreed to add the mascot ban to its list of requirements to be licensed. The prohibition will extend beyond the five BCS bowl games and include all of the postseason games.

``NCAA bylaws require that all licensed bowls must 'comply with the NCAAs principles for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics,' as set forth in the NCAA Constitution, which contains basic principles for the value of cultural diversity and forms the basis for the mascot policy,'' the NCAA said in a written statement.

Hurricane Rita threatens disruption of schedule

COLLEGE STATION, TX — The approach of Hurricane Rita had major college football teams near the Texas Gulf Coast considering schedule changes Tuesday.

Texas A&M officials said they would decide Wednesday whether to move Saturday's game against Texas State to Thursday. Houston was contemplating its options for Saturday's game against Southern Mississippi, and Rice was discussing a plan that would move its game against Navy on Saturday to late next month.

Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione said there is a ``pretty good chance'' the Aggies' game with Texas State will be played Thursday.

``Our first priority has to be the safety of our athletes, staff, families and fans,'' he said.

He added that moving the game up is probably the best option because he doesn't want it to be canceled. The Aggies have already had one week off this season, and Franchione doesn't want them to sit out another one.

Aggies lineman Aldo De La Garza said players have been told they may have to move into a hotel Wednesday.

Houston coach Art Briles said he is ``planning on playing Saturday,'' but the university is working on alternatives as Rita approaches. A plan to play Thursday didn't work out. Briles said a decision would be made by Wednesday morning.

Rice officials are working on several possibilities if the game with the Midshipmen must be rescheduled. Rice and Navy share Oct. 22 as an open date.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically based on material supplied by staff members; data published by ECU, Conference USA and its member schools; and reports from Associated Press and other sources. Copyright 2005 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Page Updated: 02/23/2007 12:28 PM