Opinion
Column: Haskell football coach against Indian mascots


"Haskell Indian Nations University doesn�t belong to the NCAA. HINU is a member of the NAIA, which hasn�t taken a stand about Indian nicknames. Not that Haskell would be affected if the NAIA did act. Nobody is going to tell Haskell to drop its nickname of the Fightin� Indians. Or as Eric Brock, HINU�s football coach, told me: 'We�re all Indians, so that�s OK.'

Like most Native Americans, Brock is proud of his heritage. At the same time, he is outspoken about the blatant use of stereotypes.

'In 99 percent of the cases, I�m offended,' he said. 'They say they�re honoring Native Americans with those nicknames, but there are plenty of other ways to honor them.'

He is particularly offended, he says, by Chief Wahoo, the Cleveland Indians� caricature.

'It�s so typical with the large nose, the big grin and the one feather,' Brock said. 'The majority of kids on our team don�t look anything like that picture.'"

Get the Story:
Chuck Woodling: Brock not big on Indian nicknames (The Lawrence Journal-World 9/9)

NCAA Policy:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html

National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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