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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico State's mascot Pistol Pete has been given time off to cool his heels -- or boots, rather -- after wrangling with another university's bullish mascot.
Pistol Pete, cowboy hat and all, has been suspended by the Western Athletic Conference for one game following an incident with Utah State's Big Blue at the WAC Tournament in Reno, Nev. earlier this month.
WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said the suspension will be served for New Mexico State's first men's home conference game during the 2009-10 season.
The incident occurred near the end of a semifinal matchup between New Mexico State and Utah State on March 13.
The bull confronted Pistol Pete and ripped off his fake mustache after a fan wearing a Nevada shirt offered $100 to the student in the costume, modeled after Paul Bunyan's Blue Ox, if he would do so.
The cowboy then chased the bull to half court, jumped on his back and tried unsuccessfully to pull him to the floor. He then started to try to choke his rival before retreating to his end of the court.
Big Blue was suspended for the championship game the following day.
Benson said the WAC has made it a point to promote good sportsmanship.
"Our players, coaches, administrators and all support personnel fall under these policies as we try to set good examples for our fans," Benson said.
NMSU Athletics Director McKinley Boston said he understands the WAC's focus on sportsmanship, but sees the suspension as harsh.
"I think that the penalty doesn't necessarily fit the crime, but I am in an agreement with the commissioner. I just think a reprimand would have been appropriate, but it is what it is," Boston said.
The student who portrays Pistol Pete has learned from the incident and won't make that mistake again, Boston said.
"We discussed it ... and it was a learning opportunity for him. Sometimes you have to turn the other cheek and grow from it," Boston said.
Both schools have declined to release the name of the students who serve as the mascots.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
