Bradley loses appeal on nickname

PEORIA, Ill. -- The NCAA on Thursday rejected Bradley University's bid to be taken off a list of colleges whose American Indian nicknames, mascots and logos will be banned in postseason play starting next year.

An NCAA staff review committee ruled the school's Braves nickname creates an environment at sporting events where fans and opponents can exhibit behavior hostile and abusive to American Indians. The ruling does not require Bradley to change its nickname.

Bradley released a two-sentence statement saying the private college "now is considering its options, which could include an appeal to the Executive Committee of the NCAA." University officials declined further comment.

The 6,100-student school was one of 18 schools deemed by the NCAA in August to have nicknames or imagery that are "hostile or abusive" to American Indians.

The University of Illinois is awaiting a decision on its bid to be removed from that list, which also bars schools from hosting postseason events because of their nicknames and imagery.

In its decision, the NCAA committee commended Bradley for dropping its American Indian mascot and logos about a decade ago. But it said Bradley could have sent a clear signal of respect by also dropping its nearly 70-year-old nickname.

Bradley has argued the nickname now symbolizes attributes such as courage and honor.