Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 12:23:19 PM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Let Retired Chief Illiniwek Rest in Peace

Posted Dec 27, 07 4:20 PM CST in Arts & Living,  Sports 

(Newser) – The NCAA leaned on the University of Illinois to replace its "hostile and abusive" Native American mascot, Chief Illiniwek, back in February, and the Chief no longer dances on the Illini's fields and courts. But his story is far from over, writes Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune. Chief support groups linger, and some have serious agendas.

One society plans to use the "element of surprise" to "restore his legacy as one of honor, not shame." Another is taking aim at the school honchos who buried the Chief by lobbying for a change in state law that would make trustees elected rather than appointed. But for Zorn, Illiniwek's demise was a long time coming.

Source Chicago Tribune

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Clemson Shocks No. 7 Duke in ACC Semis

    Mar 15, 08 8:45 PM CDT
    Clemson had lost 22 straight to No. 7 Duke and hadn't reached a conference tournament final in 46 years, but none of that matters now, as the Tigers beat the Blue Devils 78-74 in the ACC semifinals today, reports the Associated Press. Clemson, which was led by Trevor Booker's 18 points, will play North Carolina tomorrow. In other NCAA basketball action: More »

  • Friars Beat Huskies For Season Sweep

    Mar 7, 08 12:32 AM CST
    The Providence Friars haven’t done much against Big East opponents this season, but they have managed to dominate UConn, beating the Huskies again tonight for a season sweep, 85-76.   The win was big for Providence, as they’re on the brink of missing the Big East tournament. UConn has already clinched a first-round bye.  Elsewhere in college hoops: More »

  • Miami Sends No. 5 Duke to 2nd Straight L

    Feb 20, 08 11:57 PM CST
    The Miami Hurricanes handed No. 5 Duke its second consecutive loss; the 96-95 victory was the Hurricanes first win against the Blue Devils in over 45 years. Miami built a large lead early in the second half and was able to hit free-throws down the stretch to preserve the win. Dwayne Collins led the Hurricanes with 27 points, according to the Associated Press. Elsewhere in men’s basketball: More »

  • Hoosiers Frustrate Illini in 2 OTs

    Feb 8, 08 4:51 AM CST
    Hoosiers Frustrate Illini in 2 OTs Last year Eric Gordan angered Illinois fans by backing out of a verbal commitment and going to hated Indiana. Last night, the freshman sensation showed them what they have been missing by leading a second-half surge with 19 points in an 83-79 double-overtime Big Ten win, reports the Chicago Tribune. No. 14 Indiana trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half. More »

  • Gordon Twists the Knife Against Illini

    Jan 13, 08 10:14 PM CST
    The #10 Indiana Hoosiers rallied from seven down to win 62-58 against Illinois—on the strength of 17 points from freshman Eric Gordon, who had verbally committed to the Illini before changing his mind in favor of his home state. It was Indiana's tenth consecutive win, and 27th straight at home. Also in Top 25 college hoops: More »

The deceased Illiniwek rallies the crowd in this fan-taken photo.   ((c) soundfromwayout)
University of Illinois mascot Chief Illiniwek performs for the last time in Champaign, Ill., in this file photo from Feb. 21, 2007, during Illinois' basketball game against Michigan. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman,...   (Associated Press)
Controversial symbol 'Chief Illiniwek' of the University of Illinois performs during the half-time show of a game between Illinois and Michigan at Memorial Stadium October 16, 2004 in Champaign, Illinois....   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
A fan-edited memorial entitled "Memories of Chief Illiniwek."   (cowdoc3 (YouTube))
The University of Illinois presents "Chief Illiniwek's Last Dance," a memorial tribute.   (RememberTheChief (YouTube))

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

NCAA • racism • Illinois Fighting Illini • political correctness


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Sports Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »