Rose: Chief Illiniwek Tweet ‘off the cuff comment’

The University of Illinois retired Chief Illiniwek in 2007. (Photo used under Creative Commons from flickr user Hannah & Audrey's Adventures)

State Representative Chapin Rose joined WJBC’s Jim Fitzpatrick and Kim Wells to discuss his recent Tweet surrounding the University of Illinois’ former mascot Chief Illiniwek.

Rose made a comment on “Twitter” saying it’s about time the University of Illinois reinstated Chief Illiniwek after the University of North Dakota decided to reinstate its “Fighting Sioux” nickname.

“All it was, was sort of an off the cuff comment. The U. of I. gets bogged down in silly stuff.  They’re laying off guys at the shop left and right down here, but the president is running around with millions of dollars of payroll in his office and he’s not spending $250,000 on a search firm for a chancellor,” Rose said.

North Dakota is restoring the “Fighting Sioux” nickname despite threats of sanctions from the NCAA, which claims the nickname is offensive to Native Americans.  The U of I hasn’t used its popular Chief Illiniwek mascot since 2007. Rose is running in the Republican Primary in the 51st State Senate District against Tom Pliura.

Listen to the complete interview below:

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Jim Fitzpatrick can be reached at jim@wjbc.com.