I was fortunate to write for the MI Drumline during the 1979 & '80 seasons and never thought of Chief as anything less than the spirit of the University. Chief was never a 'figure of fun' and never, EVER disrespectful in any manner towards, or of, native American culture. I can't imagine the U without that spirit. --Jim: Class of '82... and, although primarily German and English, also have Black Foot ancestry.
go illini! i think it is funny how people say this is a discrace and we need permision from the tribe to do this, but whats funny about it is there is no illini tribe
As an added aspect for consideration, what will be next? Will animal rights organizations protest the mascots of teams such as the Chicago Bears, the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Texas Longhorns, the Urbana (Illnois) Tigers, or the Champaign Central (Illinois) Maroons (the Maroon is a type of bear)?
It is interesting that athletic teams such as Notre Dame (The Fighting "Irish"); The Boston "Celtics"; or the Minnesota "Vikings" (LOTS of people of Scandinavian descent in Minnesota) are not having this problem. Evidently, those of Irish and Scandinavian descent are not "offended" by such team names, but it is an issue for other groups, or is made an issue by people who pretend and proclaim to speak for such other groups.
I'm part Blackfoot and I love the Chief... you can't diss him until you know his whole story.
killerkammy 11 months ago
He will be back.
colbymercury 3 years ago
yet you favorited it
rdiggity1 5 years ago
Seeing the chief come running out through the band at the football games is one of the coolest things ever
rdiggity1 5 years ago
I WILL MISS YOU CHIEF :(
Brookie5686 5 years ago
I was fortunate to write for the MI Drumline during the 1979 & '80 seasons and never thought of Chief as anything less than the spirit of the University. Chief was never a 'figure of fun' and never, EVER disrespectful in any manner towards, or of, native American culture. I can't imagine the U without that spirit. --Jim: Class of '82... and, although primarily German and English, also have Black Foot ancestry.
Nevermann 5 years ago
go illini! i think it is funny how people say this is a discrace and we need permision from the tribe to do this, but whats funny about it is there is no illini tribe
JT10ILLINI 5 years ago
Hahahaha! Awesome analogy, Klaxz! So true! Go Illini!
Kimbereli09 5 years ago
As an added aspect for consideration, what will be next? Will animal rights organizations protest the mascots of teams such as the Chicago Bears, the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Texas Longhorns, the Urbana (Illnois) Tigers, or the Champaign Central (Illinois) Maroons (the Maroon is a type of bear)?
Vlad500 5 years ago
It is interesting that athletic teams such as Notre Dame (The Fighting "Irish"); The Boston "Celtics"; or the Minnesota "Vikings" (LOTS of people of Scandinavian descent in Minnesota) are not having this problem. Evidently, those of Irish and Scandinavian descent are not "offended" by such team names, but it is an issue for other groups, or is made an issue by people who pretend and proclaim to speak for such other groups.
Vlad500 5 years ago