Jeb Bu$h Balks at NCAA Ruling

The curious thing is, I have yet to see, hear or read any member of the Seminole Nation come forward to publicly back Bu$h's claims. They just keep showing that same clip of Jeb trying to stroke out over and over again...

--ryan

Gov. Bush Balks at Ban on Seminoles Name

By The Associated Press
August 10, 2005


Gov. Jeb Bush criticized NCAA officials Tuesday for their decision to penalize Florida State University for using a Native American nickname and symbols.

The governor said the Seminole Tribe of Florida supports the school's use of its name and NCAA officials had insulted the university and Seminoles by calling the nickname 'hostile' and 'abusive.'

'I think they insult those people by telling them, 'No, no, you're not smart enough to understand this. You should be feeling really horrible about this.' It's ridiculous,' Bush said.

An NCAA official previously said other Seminole tribes were opposed to the use of the name. On Tuesday, NCAA spokesperson Bob Williams said officials believe their decision was made on sound legal ground.

'We recognize this is an emotional issue in Florida, and in other parts of the country there are people who feel just as strongly being opposed,' Williams said.

The university has until Feb. 1 to make a formal appeal to the NCAA executive committee.

Eighteen schools have a Native American logo or mascot that will be prohibited by the NCAA during postseason events, starting in February.

The nicknames will not be allowed on team uniforms and mascots will not be allowed to perform at games, the NCAA announced Friday. Cheerleaders and band members also will be barred from using Native American nicknames or logos beginning in 2008.

Attorney Barry Richard has agreed to represent the school in its case against the NCAA, Florida State President T.K. Wetherell said. Richard successfully led the legal challenge on behalf of President Bush during the 2000 election recount in Florida.

'If you have the Seminole Tribe and Gov. Bush on your side, how can you go wrong?' said Florida State Vice President Lee Hinkle.

Bush said the NCAA must have better things to do than sit around worrying about the nicknames adopted by its member institutions. (AP)