Posted on 08/22/2005 12:20:29 PM PDT by neverdem
ALBUQUERQUE — Just when I thought it was safe to defend myself from the long list of Aggie bashers, New Mexico State University went and took the pistol from Pete.
New athletics director, new football coach, new men’s basketball coach and new mascot.
OK, Sesame Street fans, which one doesn’t belong?
I’ll take new head football coach Hal Mumme, and new head men’s basketball coach Reggie Theus, and even new AD McKinley Boston. But not a new Pistol Pete.
I thought the NCAA’s asinine decision to ban its schools from wearing what it dubbed offensive names on its uniforms for the basketball tournament was bad enough.
Now NMSU takes the pistol from Pistol Pete.
I’d like to think the move was made in order to garner attention for the university rather than complying with the politically correct crowd. The change has drawn lots of attention from national media, including the National Rifle Association, which interviewed NMSU assistant athletics director Sean Johnson on one of its radio programs Wednesday.
The attention is welcomed by NMSU, considering the performances of some of its athletics teams last season . A 5-6 season helped end the tenure of former NMSU head football coach Tony Samuel. A severe health issue as well as a below average team led Lou Henson into retirement and the Aggies finished with a embarrassing 6-24 record.
I’d endure 26 of those seasons for one simple — and non-firing — weapon.
I still don’t understand the reason for the change. What was wrong with the old Pistol Pete?
To make matters worse, the new Pete was designed by an Aggie “traitor,” Richard Evarts, an NMSU alumni. I would’ve understood if it was designed by a former University of New Mexico Lobo, considering.
“I wanted to stick with the strong tradition of agriculture and ranching in Southern New Mexico,” the turncoat said in an NMSU press release. “It was important to keep those traditions. I tried to keep some of the aspects of the old Pete, but I also wanted to make it completely different than anything anyone else had done before.
“I went back and looked at old photos of 19th century Southern New Mexico legends like Pat Garrett and John Chisum. I wanted that theme, but with a modern look to it.”
I’ll give him that. The new Pete looks like the lost Village Person.
Sure, he needed to be updated after 40 years. Heck, trim up the mustache, even up the sideburns, shave the stubble and get him some new clothes.
But to completely overhaul a symbol that has represented New Mexico State University for the past 40 years is an injustice.
It’s the equivalent to UNM softening up Lobo Louie and replacing him with Barney.
Just imagine the uproar.
where is the right to not be offended enumerated?........
Hal Mumme is far more offensive than any mascot with a gun.
Please, there is only one Aggies, all the others need a prefix.
Proud A&M Dad.
Pistol Pete?
They need to call him "P(little cat) Pete"!
meow
Speilberg has struck again - he's digitized the pistol into a walkie-talkie!
***Now NMSU takes the pistol from Pistol Pete. ***
I think PISTOL PETE is the mascot of an OKLAHOMA team, and he carried two pistols till a few years ago when the pistols were declared Politicly incorrect. At least they didn't replace his pistols with hand held radios as in E. T.
That school is Oklahoma State University. I, believe they exchanged the two pistols for dildo's and that passed muster with the NCAA.
Anything that makes NMSU look bad is a good thing!!
GO LOBOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But it's the thought that counts and the thought sucks!
Yeah, it's a kind of stylized image of a cowboy, but it isn't cartoony or demeaning at all. Still, I agree with you that the PCBS behind the change is looney-tunes thinking at its finest.
I know, but can't a guy have fun?
Why does he look all angry about lassoing a calf?
Passed over for promotion to cows.
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