Brendan Smith

I never thought I could meet someone who hates dogs, but then I heard the news that the NCAA has banned the Butler Bulldog mascot, Butler Blue III, from the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit.

How could you say no to a face like that? A good boy, on a leash, anxiously awaiting the opportunity to fire up his school’s fans with a simple look or wag of the tail. Instead, Blue will have to relocate in order to watch his beloved Bulldogs take on Arkansas tomorrow at 3:10 PM ET.

Live mascots are part of what college sporting events the best in the world. The Georgia bulldog is etched into the history of that program, popular amongst the fans and other viewers alike. No other spectacle than Florida State football allows you to watch a man ride a horse onto the field, wielding a flaming spear, and proceed to plant that flaming spear into the logo at midfield.

Mark Emmert, if you do not want to pay college athletes, that’s fine (I guess). But to keep Butler Blue III from his duties is downright disrespectful. Dogs are easily some of the greatest creatures on earth. Some might even argue that dogs are better than humans. Think about all the social media content being missed out on by not allowing live mascots in the arena. Social media accounts are gaining followers daily just based on the cuteness of the dogs that they post. Bad look for you NCAA. And another blemish on Mark Emmert’s reputation.