As former coach of the University of Illinois’ Fighting Illini men’s basketball team, Bill Self knows all about the controversy regarding the use of American Indian names as college mascots.
Dressed in Indian headdress, The U of I’s “Chief Illiniwek” performed a traditional dance at select games.
“The Chief at Illinois was thought of to be the symbol of the university, and there was a great history and tradition behind that,” Kansas University coach Self said Friday, the same day the NCAA decided to ban American Indian words, images and mascots from postseason tournaments.
“The different chiefs throughout time had to uphold a strict code on behavior and study the tradition and history of what that (chief) stands for. It was done in a respectful manner, but it was still controversial.
“I always thought they handled it in a very respectful manner. I could also certainly understand how some would feel about that. Most, I think, is not done with poor intentions, but some of it may be done in poor taste, so it is probably a good rule.”
Self’s official stance on the mascot during his three years at Illinois? “I was neutral on it,” he said. “I was a big fan of the Chief, but I could certainly understand how some would be opposed.”
NCAA bans Indian mascots, nicknames (08-06-05)