GRAND FORKS, N.D. —
North Dakota political leaders are asking the NCAA not to penalize the University of North Dakota for following a state law requiring the school to keep its Fighting Sioux name and logo.
It’s a unique strategy among schools that have had to comply with NCAA policy or face penalties.
Some schools talked tough about keeping nicknames the NCAA classified as hostile and abusive, but eventually backed down. School officials say they’ve adapted and that fears angry alumni would stop giving money proved to be unfounded.
University of North Dakota officials and state lawmakers are to meet in Indianapolis and plead their case to the NCAA again on Aug. 12. That’s just three days before the league intends to impose sanctions if UND hasn’t dropped the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.
