Let it rip letters

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One thing Ron Morris failed to note and that the NCAA ignores is that according to the March 4, 2002 issue of Sports Illustrated, a Harris Research Poll showed that 81 percent of Native Americans support the use of Indian nicknames in high schools and college sports and 83 percent support them in professional sports. Further, a poll reported in September 2004 by the University of Pennsylvania’s National Annenberg Election Survey produced almost identical results.

It seems that Morris and the NCAA presume to speak for Native Americans in determining what they find offensive and are bowing to the rantings of a vocal minority. I would have to believe that at some point The Supreme Court will determine that this is a First Amendment issue and that it is not within the NCAA’s jurisdiction to dictate team names.

RICHARD M. STREETT

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I found it interesting that Ron Morris’ premise was that Newberry was making a change for the wrong reasons and the the college has “missed the point.” He indicated that he would have liked to have sung the school’s praises for caving in to the NCAA.

I normally don’t equate singing praises to caving in to anybody. In the case of the NCAA, they have a track record of making such outstanding and awe-inspiring decisions over the years that we all should bow toward Indianapolis.

Although this is a very complex issue, Morris gave the impression that Newberry was dragging its feet on the issue when in reality they were operating in the time frame dictated by the NCAA. Newberry, along with Alcorn State, were awaiting the outcome of the suit brought by the University of North Dakota against the NCAA questioning virtually every facet of the mandate.

South Carolinians have a long and storied history of questioning an authority they feel that doesn’t pertain to them and I think that applies in this case. The NCAA has decided that the Indian nickname must go. The inconsistency in the NCAA’s mandate amazes me in that Carthage College of Wisconsin was able to comply by changing their name from the Redmen to Red Men.

Morris also was critical of Newberry’s efforts to align themselves with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation and implied it was a less than honorable thing to do. In fact, it was exactly what Florida State did with the Seminole Nation and what I believe Catawba has done with the Catawba Nation to retain their nickname, which is the Indians. I think attacking the integrity of the Board of Trustees was out of line when Morris has no feel for the views of the student-athletes at Newberry College.

I certainly respect Morris’ right to his opinion on this issue and have tried to express mine. However his suggestion that if Newberry wanted to honor and celebrate Native Americans they should give the land back, I can only respond that if you let me know when The State has vacated their property I’ll start packing up my family’s belongings as well.

I await with great anticipation when we can look back on the World Series between the Atlanta 285s and the Cleveland Lake Dwellers. By the way, how do you think last month’s draft picks will work out for the Washington Beltliners?

JIM VIGRASS

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Why not use your invective for professional franchises that make millions of dollars on merchandise such as the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Washington Redskins, etc. Newberry probably lost money for the companies who may have sold merchandise with their logos, etc.

Are you a Native American? How did you obtain the authority to speak on their behalf other than the fact that you are a opinion columnist?

Do you really believe Newberry should give their land back? C’mon, where would we all live if we were as gracious as you suggest?

The column comes across so pious, that it appears that much of it is sarcasm. Not sure that was what you intended or not.

MIKE ELLER

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Schools pick mascots they can be proud of, and it should be considered an honor to have a team named after you. If Native American nicknames are offensive, tell me a name more offensive than the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

I love the West Virginia Mountaineers, and people are proud of the mascot and not offended at all. I think you are caught up in a wave of political correctness stuff when you should use some common sense.

I could give you more examples, but if your opinions are based on emotion rather than logic, that won’t do much good.

MARK HOSE

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In Ron Morris’ article, he asks President Zais to give the land Newberry College is on back to the Native Americans. You do realize the home you live on is also on land once owned by the Native Americans?

Since you are so concerned with this issue then I think you should set an example and give back the land your home is on to the Native Americans. I’m looking forward to seeing you follow through with what you believe is right.

MATT BARBER