NCAA - University of Mississippi

Ole Miss releases proposed Colonel Rebel makeovers

Associated Press

Oxford, Miss. -- Three dozen student members of the NAACP rallied Tuesday at the University of Mississippi to support administrators' decision to retire Colonel Rebel.

The rally came just hours before the university unveiled two possible replacements for the mustachioed mascot that some say represents Old South sensibilities and others say is a traditional symbol of school pride.

Chancellor Robert Khayat and athletics director Pete Boone have been broadly criticized for saying the mascot, a white-haired old man who carries a cane and resembles a plantation owner, needs an updated look.

"It's about time we said something and let (Khayat) know not everybody is upset about the decision," Annette Hollowell of Holly Springs, a senior political science major and university chapter president for the NAACP, said outside the student union building.

The university on Tuesday released sketches of two proposed new looks for the mascot.

"Bruiser Rebel" is a younger, pumped-up version of the current colonel, with white hair and goatee, bulging arms, a thick neck and a midriff-baring football uniform. He's wearing a red floppy hat like the one Colonel Reb wears now.

"Rowdy Rebel" resembles a muscle-bound version of the bald advertising icon Mr. Clean. He's wearing a football uniform.

"From the beginning, we were looking for a stronger, tougher and more athletic look," Boone said in a university news release. "Both of these accomplish that goal."

In an election on a secured Web site (www.olemiss.edu/athletics/poll.html) Wednesday through Sunday, current University of Mississippi students, faculty and staff members, dues-paying alumni, Loyalty Foundation members and season ticket holders can choose between the two proposed new looks. The Loyalty Foundation is a private group that raises money for Ole Miss athletics.

Schools officials say that there will not be a "none of the above" option for people who don't like either proposal. Results of the online elections could be released next week, officials said.

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