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Tom Kirkland ReportingBig news from Talahassee, Florida could have a big impact on the Utes. A few weeks ago the NCAA started a huge controversy by banning the use of any Native American nicknames or mascots from its championship tournaments beginning in 2006.
The ban applied to 18 schools including the Florida State Seminoles and, of course, the Utah Utes. Florida State immediately appealed and today the NCAA reconsidered, telling Florida State it could continue to use the "Seminoles" nickname citing the "unique relationship between the university and the Seminoles tribe of Florida".
The university of Utah's about to file its formal appeal with the NCAA, and athletics director Chris Hill says this ruling should also apply to the Utes, once their appeal is received.
Dr. Chris Hill, Utah Director of Athletics: "Well understand the NCAA, you know, remove them from that list, we anticipate it will happen for the University of Utah. I've talked to the Florida State athletic director and we think we can have our documentation ready, and we're optimistic that we'll get the same results... We knew all along that we had great respect for the Ute tribe. And we were confident that what we're doing was very respectful, so we've been optimistic all along and today's a day to continue the optimism."
So, it looks like, based on the Florida State decision, the Ute's drum and feather logo will likely be okay.
