Oklahoma Nation Suppots Use of Native American Names and Mascots
Oklahoma Seminoles back FSU on mascot
By TOM D'ANGELO
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Thursday, August 11, 2005
TALLAHASSEE — On the same day Florida State's Board of Trustees gave President T.K. Wetherell its support to fight the NCAA's ban on Native American mascots and nicknames, the university picked up a major ally.
Ken Chambers, principal chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, the group the NCAA said was opposed to Florida State's use of the Seminole name, said Wednesday he does not have a problem with the use of Native American nicknames and mascots.
A motion in July by the Oklahoma nation to denounce the use of Native American nicknames and images in sports and other events failed by an 18-2 vote, according to Oklahoma tribal officials.
"We feel like it gives the type of recognition that allows people to identify with the name Seminoles," Chambers said of Florida State's nickname. "As far as the mascot itself, it is not degrading to us. It is not humiliating."
Chambers' comments were good news for Wetherell.
"This is just further evidence ... the problem has been created by the NCAA," Wetherell said. "It seems to me at some point the Seminole Tribe, be it Oklahoma or Florida, is owed an apology by the NCAA for starting this mess.
"I think they have embarrassed themselves."
The NCAA was not aware of the Oklahoma nation's vote or Chambers' stance, said Bob Williams, managing director of public and media relations.
"We have never seen those comments before," Williams said. "Everything we've read from the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma through this process has been that they do not support the use of Native American imagery and mascots."
Chambers' support will not necessarily force the NCAA to change its decision, Williams said.
"It's important to note that one particular group stating that they don't have a problem with the use of imagery or a mascot doesn't necessarily mean that everybody else in the country would feel the same way," he said.
High-powered support
Wetherell already believed he had a strong enough case to appeal the NCAA's ban on "hostile and abusive" nicknames and mascots in postseason play or to possibly file a lawsuit. Even Gov. Jeb Bush has criticized the NCAA's decision.
"I like my odds," Wetherell said. "I haven't gone into most elections with this much lined up behind me. I've got the brother of the president pretty happy and that's unusual for me. I've got the legislature pretty happy. I've got congressmen pretty happy. I've got lawyers telling me we don't know whether we want to beat them on a constitutional issue (or) a legal issue. I'm pretty confident right now."
Bush believes the NCAA is being too "politically correct."
"The folks that make these decisions need to get out more often,'' he said Tuesday.
In a self-evaluation FSU gave to NCAA regarding its use of the Seminole nickname and symbols, the school highlighted the history of its only nickname since 1947 and included a resolution adopted by the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida in support of the university.
Support from the Oklahoma nation is further proof of FSU's respect of the Seminoles, university Vice President Lee Hinkle said.
"We are extremely heartened by the news from the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma," Hinkle said. "We have been saying all along that we are deeply respectful of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and all Indian tribes and we think by this news it has been apparent to the Oklahoma tribe we intend no disrespect."
Last week, the NCAA cited 18 universities that use "hostile or abusive" nicknames, including FSU, the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Utah Utes. Beginning Feb. 1, schools hosting or playing in NCAA postseason events this season must cover up offensive nicknames, logos and mascots.
In the future, offending schools will not be allowed to host NCAA postseason events unless they change their nickname and mascot.
"We are highly insulted by this NCAA action and we will not stand by and let this happen without a fight," said Jim Smith, chairman of the FSU Board of Trustees.
Wetherell, who said he attempted to contact the NCAA for five days, heard back Tuesday in the form of a letter outlining the appeals process.
The NCAA will allow FSU to argue that its use of Native American names, symbols or mascots does not create a hostile or abusive environment. The school also could seek to modify the policy.
"They want us to appeal back to the same committee," Wetherell said. "We need some assurance in the process that it is going to be a fair fight."
FSU officials have compiled several concerns about the policy, including what they call a "clandestine" process to reach the decision, and the exclusion of other questionable mascots and symbols such as Southern California's Trojan Warrior.
"The flawed process raised the very fundamental question of whether this was an association recommendation or one driven by a small special-interest group with personal agendas," FSU Athletic Director Dave Hart said.
In case the appeal process fails, Wetherell is preparing to go to court. He plans to use attorney Barry Richard, who led the successful legal challenge on behalf of President Bush during the 2000 election recount in Florida.
Trustee Jim Thrasher already is looking beyond the appeal.
"I think we ought to sue them," he said during Wednesday's emergency board meeting.
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez called the NCAA's policy "disrespectful and insulting" in a statement he issued Tuesday.
"The NCAA has found a way to unify Democrats, Republicans, Washington, the state of Florida," Wetherell said. "What we could not do, they have the ability to do."
Staff writer Charles Elmore contributed to this story.
