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Let Retired Chief Illiniwek Rest in Peace

Banned U of Illinois logo hasn't gone away entirely, but he should

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 27, 2007 4:20 PM CST

(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.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (2)]

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)

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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))

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Let Retired Chief Illiniwek Rest in Peace