Originally Posted by AP
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The University of Miami is the latest school to feel the wrath of the NCAA's mascot police force. The NCAA, on Tuesday morning, is set to add Miami's hurricane logo and mascot to its list of offensive nicknames.
"In the aftermath of Katrina, it's the only thing we could do," said NCAA Director of Sensitivity Malcolm Davison-Davis. "Tens of thousands of people were just slaughtered by an out-of-control hurricane. What does it say when a football team trivializes their deaths by calling itself the Hurricanes?"
Recently, the NCAA made headlines by outlawing the Native American-based nicknames of 18 schools. Those schools would not be able to use their mascots or show their nicknames and logos during an NCAA-sponsored tournament.
Utah, which is represented by the Ute indian tribe, and Florida State, represented by the Seminole tribe, successfully appealed the decision when they demonstrated tribal support for their nicknames.
"We don't want to appear overbearing or oversensitive," Davison-Davis said. "But we have to protect those who can't protect themselves."
Miami athletic director Paul Dee was outraged when he heard the news Monday evening.
"I just can't believe this," he yelled. "Who in their right mind would be offended by a hurricane? It's like being offended by Santa Claus or by a bowl of freaking clam chowder."
Dee said he already had lawyers looking into appealing the NCAA decision, but the outlook appeared bleak.
Hurricane relief groups across the country applauded the NCAA decision.
"It's about time the NCAA stood up for human decency," said Bunnybeth Carlson, director of Mississippi's Project Blowback, which provides services for hurricane refugees. Would they name a team 'the Carjackers' or 'the AK 47s?' I don't think so. Yet a hurricane has the power to kill thousands of people all at once."
Starting with the NCAA basketball tournament next spring, Miami will be required to remove all traces of the hurricane logo or name from its uniforms and its arenas. Fans entering the building wearing these products will be asked to turn their tee-shirts inside out, or change clothing.
"This is a long time coming," said Louise Mercator, who is living with her family in a Baton Rouge shelter after her house in Kenner, Louisiana was destroyed last week by Hurricane Katrina. "Every time I hear about Miami football, I'm reminded of the tragedy of losing my home."
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