"On Aug. 5, 2005, when the NCAA banned the postseason use of American Indian team names and mascots, all bets were off.

What would happen? Would an outraged public force the association to change its mind? Would Congress get involved and slap down the association for its overreach?

Would tribes react not with sympathy — as the NCAA likely expected — but with resentment or hostility over the association’s butting in?

Seven years later, with the smoke now lifting from the last battle, the outcome is clear: The NCAA’s victory is complete.

North Dakota, for one, put up a terrific fight. But where UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname was concerned, not even the combined efforts of a state law, overwhelming popular support and solid — if belated — backing from a Sioux Indian tribe could carry the day."

Get the Story:
OUR OPINION: The NCAA’s strategic — and decisive — retreat (The Grand Forks Herald 6/25)

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