Sad day for all fans

Illinois will be retiring their symbol, Chief Illiniwek.

I've posted about this issue before. I am 100% sensitive to the "case" against the Native American "mascot" and I respect the wishes/recommendations of the Native American counsels - ; however, these symbols were not chosen to degrade or objectify - they were seen as symbols of strength and bravery - and for their ties to area. Illinois is named for the Illini - the Chief was not a "mascot" - but a proud representation of the land and its people.