Let Retired Chief Illiniwek Rest in Peace

The NCAA leaned on the University of Illinois to replace its "hostile and abusive" Native American mascot, Chief Illiniwek, back in February, and the Chief no longer dances on the Illini's fields and courts. But his story is far from over, writes Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune. Chief support groups linger, and some have serious agendas.

One society plans to use the "element of surprise" to "restore his legacy as one of honor, not shame." Another is taking aim at the school honchos who buried the Chief by lobbying for a change in state law that would make trustees elected rather than appointed. But for Zorn, Illiniwek's demise was a long time coming. (More Illinois Fighting Illini stories.)