Courtesy: ArkansasState

NCAA Removes ASU from NCAA Mascot Sanctions List

JONESBORO (10/29/07) - Following a formal letter delivered to the NCAA
by Arkansas State University detailing steps already taken to change
mascots and related imagery and requesting permission to host postseason
NCAA championship events, the NCAA has responded by removing ASU from
the list of colleges and universities subject to the NCAA Executive
Committee's policy on the use of Native American mascots, nicknames and
imagery.

The action by the NCAA immediately allows ASU to host NCAA postseason
events and places the University in complete compliance with the NCAA's
policy on the use of Native American nicknames.

In the letter, dated Oct. 8, 2007, and written by ASU Chancellor Dr.
Robert L. Potts and Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee on behalf of the
University and its athletic department, details of ASU's decision to
retire its Indian mascot, the Indian Family and Native American imagery
in the spring of 2008 were outlined to the NCAA.

The letter discusses the timelines involved with the adoption of a new
mascot and nickname before making a final statement that 'Arkansas State
University respectfully requests that the NCAA immediately remove
Arkansas State University from the NCAA ban list as articulated in your
letter dated August 9, 2005, which prohibits ASU from hosting
post-season NCAA championship events.'

In a letter dated Oct. 15, 2007, NCAA Senior Vice President Bernard W.
Franklin acknowledged ASU's request and briefly outlined the NCAA's
stance on Native American nicknames.  In closing, the letter stated that
due to ASU's future mascot and nickname change it is no longer subject
to the NCAA's policies associated with the use of Native American
mascots, nicknames and imagery.

"I appreciate the faith and confidence that the NCAA has placed in us by
making a decision before we have completed our mascot-change process to
take us off the sanction list immediately," said Dr. Potts.  "We look
forward to completing our mascot selection process under the leadership
of Mr. Jim Pickens and the Mascot Selection Steering Committee.  I
believe this will be a very positive step for the University as we move
ahead."

Dr. Lee also welcomed the NCAA's decision, saying "the removal of ASU
from the NCAA sanction list permits our eligible teams to host
championship events on our campus in Jonesboro, thereby increasing our
chances of postseason success."

Alumni and friends of ASU have until Oct. 31 to submit suggestions for a
new mascot.  Suggestions for ASU's new mascot can be submitted by
visiting www.astate.edu, clicking the "Mascot Information" link located
on the home page and then clicking on the "Suggestions" link located on
the left side of the mascot information page.