Here I was, all set to dive into a great weekend of college hockey matchups, when once again, the Fighting Sioux controversy had to rear its ugly head. Instead of hearing about the pivotal weekend hockey series coming up with Duluth, the whole week has been a stream of angry bickering over something that appeared to be over and done. I can’t even remember how long this has been going on, is it year 6? Year 7? Regardless of the particulars, there is only one answer needed: Far too long.
Don’t get me wrong, I would’ve loved to see the name stay, and think the whole thing has been handled unfairly, but when is enough enough? Anyone who’s been paying attention knows that the NCAA is completely full of sh*t as an organization, that’s never been up for debate. But then again, so is Congress, and they run the country, so why is the idea of an inept and unresponsive governing body such a shock? Incidentally, the NCAA may be the only organization with a lower approval rating.
Did they tweak the rules from day one to exempt bowl games, their greatest cash cow, hiding behind the definition of a “NCAA sanctioned postseason”? Yes. Did they stir up fake morality to make it appear as though they cared, in order to take the focus off players committing crimes on campuses, coaches making a mockery of recruiting rules, the fact that they make billions off of unpaid laborers and the lack of a football tournament? Probably. But as your parents used to tell you, life isn’t fair, it’s called power, and they have it all in this situation. Get used to it, or take your ball and go home.
While it’s unfortunate that the second tribe required to give approval has never been allowed to vote, there isn’t much that can be done there. I’d like to give even then most ardent nickname supporter the benefit of the doubt, and assume that if the majority of the Sioux people felt it was an insult, rather than an honor, they’d agree to retire it yesterday, and move on. That would’ve been the easiest way to end the debate years ago, but for some reason it hasn’t happened. A cynic would say that is because the powers that be wouldn’t like the result. It’s a bit underhanded, and once again draws to mind our lawmakers, refusing to bring a motion to the floor, for fear they may have to take a firm opinion. But once again, them’s the rules, life isn’t fair, move on.
At this late date, after formally giving the name up once already, you’re making everyone associated with the University of North Dakota look dumb. I know you have an emotional connection to the nickname, I know it’s tough to hear Bison and Gopher fans mock you with the “Fighting Whioux?” jabs, but for the greater good of things, let this go. I can honestly say that I’ve done so. Even passed a man outside of Englestad Arena a few weeks ago who was gathering signatures for his petition without a moment’s thought of signing. Walking into the game with the two biggest UND fans I know, the shared sentiment was: Why can’t people just let this go?
I’m not a purveyor of perspective, or an ocean of calm, when it comes to sports. I flip my lid sometimes, get mad and act stupidly, I’m well aware of my shortcomings. But when it comes to taking the inconsequential to far, I cannot hold a candle to this crowd. The University of North Dakota is about more than a logo and a nickname, and acting like those two things are so important marginalizes everything else associated with it. The name was great, and worthy of the love you have for it, but the school itself is too, and what’s happening here is going to hurt it in the long run.
Be pissed if you want, withhold donations, scream and yell and stomp your feet. But get out of the way, it’s time to move forward.
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