"Bikaholic51," 3/30/2005

(Chief opinion: VeryFor)

The "Fighting Illini" has been the team name and the chief has been mascot for decades. Why do we find racism in every little thing we can. This is not racism. This is just some people looking to get a headline. If they remove the chief and the name "Fighting Illini" then I say fine but do not stop their. The Illinois River and Illinois state are also named after the Indian. All Indian reference should be dropped. Then the Indians today can read about their history in the books. If the use of the Illini was derogatory then I would agree with the racist angle. I think the Illinois and all Indians should be proud that the school has given them the honor of using them as a reference to their teams and school. Just my 2 cent worth.

"Bikaholic51," via the web.