Fans announced their feelings after the beloved live mascot from Drake University, Griff II, did not have access to their first game in the NCAA tournament against Missouri on Thursday.
While the team is preparing to start March Madness in Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, fans were disappointed that the French Bulldog will not be present for the opening rounds.
The NCAA all allows live mascots to the last four, which means that Griff II can only attend games when Drake makes a deep tournament run.
Fans wanted their feelings known to the NCAA committee on Thursday their beloved school icon by the court.
Drake fans have submitted a petition to challenge the position of the NCAA on live mascots. The profession claims that the rule is outdated and prevents teams from taking up an integral part of their fandom at important times.
'The NCAA all allows live mascots to the last four, who design them from earlier rounds of March Madness. This outdated rule prevents beloved mascots such as Griff, Live Bulldog from Drake University, in the Arena to support his team, “read the petition.
Drake University fans cried over the NCAA, so that their mascot Griff II was not allowed in the games
The Drake Bulldogs open their March Madness campaign against Missouri in Wichita
“It's time to change this rule and let mascots participate in the tournament from the start.”
Griff II has influenced the team on a larger scale than a symbol of school pride. According to the petition, the team has a 9-0 record in the tournament with their mascot in the building.
Both fans and players believe that the presence of Griff increases their morality and momentum.
“Griff is not just a mascot – he is an essential part of Drake's identity,” the petitioners maintained. 'The team is 9-0 when Griff is present at Arch Madness, which shows that his presence has an impact. Fans love him, players feed his energy and TV cameras cannot get enough of him. '
“For the third year in a row, Drake Men's Basketball deserved a place in March Madness, but Griff is never allowed to be present,” they went on. 'This rule does not serve a real goal and only takes away the experience of the Game Day. It is time for the NCAA to recognize the role of live mascots and to update its policy. '
Although the NCAA and NCAA Board of Governors still have to respond to the petition, the profession has received more than 1500 supporters.
