U. may appeal to retain Ute nickname

Ute today, gone tomorrow? Maybe not.

University of Utah officials are considering filing an appeal for exemption with the NCAA Executive Committee to keep the Ute nickname.

The committee, made up of 12 chancellors and presidents of member institutions, ruled last week that 18 schools (out of more than 1,000 NCAA institutions) should get rid of nicknames, mascots and imagery that are "hostile" or "abusive" toward Native Americans.

"Obviously, we want them to change their minds on this," says U. President Michael Young, who is returning from vacation next week.

Young won't have to change the minds of key Ute tribe members, who so far say they support Utah's continued use of the nickname.

Other "relevant" groups are on the same page, though Young wouldn't say who they are. "I'm not ready to speak on their behalf," he said on the phone.

Tribal support may be critical here in Utah and at schools such as Florida State University, which has the support of the Seminole tribe in Florida for use of its name by FSU's athletics programs.

NCAA President Myles Brand said in a statement this week that NCAA committee members must take claims of tribal support "seriously" and that FSU's case will likely be the basis for any appeal, which must be made within the next six months.

Brand noted in his statement that it was the committee, not NCAA staff or himself, who made the decision to ban offending schools from hosting or possibly playing in NCAA championship games. Any appeals will be heard by the committee.

Still, Brand went on to compare use of Native American names to the "contempt" African-Americans felt was reflected for their race with "black-face minstrel shows."

"We would not think of allowing nicknames or mascots that disrespect African-Americans," Brand said.

Forrest Cuch, a member of the Ute tribe and executive director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, said this week that the U.'s intent is not to insult or misrepresent the Ute name.

"We use the Ute name with permission, and the Ute tribe has consistently over a period of decades been very supportive," said Fred Esplin, U. vice president for university relations.

However, Jeanetta Williams, president of the NAACP Salt Lake branch, said the U. needs to go beyond simply getting permission and ask itself how many Utes are getting scholarships, jobs or seats in a classroom at the U.

"It goes far beyond a name," said Williams.