March Madness bans mascots from NCAA tournament despite petition by fans – here’s why

THE National College Athletics Association has confirmed that live mascots remain banned from March Madness.In an unpopular move, the animals remain banned from all of the tournaments early rounds and are only allowed in the Final Four.GettyA ban on live mascots at March Madness will remain in place[/caption]GettyPopular mascots like Griff the Bulldog will not be allowed at games until the Final Four[/caption]GettyMuch-loved Griff even appeared at the Republican presidential debate[/caption]Fans of the Drake mens basketball team started a petition after their beloved mascot Griff the Bulldog was left unable to attend games.It read: The NCAA only allows live mascots at the Final Four, barring them from earlier rounds of March Madness.

This outdated rule prevents beloved mascots like Griff, Drake Universitys live bulldog, from being in the arena to support his team.Its time to change this rule and let live mascots be part of the tournament from the start!Griff isnt just a mascothes an essential part of Drakes identity.

The team is 9-0 when Griff is in attendance at Arch Madness, proving that his presence makes an impact.

Fans love him, players feed off his energy, and TV cameras cant get enough of him.For the third year in a row, Drake Mens Basketball has earned a spot in March Madness, yet Griff has never been allowed to attend.

This rule serves no real purpose and only takes away from the game-day experience.

Its time for the NCAA to recognize the role of live mascots and update its policies.However, the NCAA maintain that the rule is necessary because not all animals are equal and theres no guarantee that every stadium could accommodate every type of mascot.In a response to enquiries from TMZ, an NCAA spokesperson said: Griff II the bulldog is undeniably adorable, and to the disappointment of dog lovers everywhere, including many NCAA staff, we unfortunately must apply the rules fairly for all teams.We couldnt have a Texas longhorn like Bevo or a North American bison like Ralphie sitting courtside in the early rounds.

So unfortunately we cannot permit any live mascots despite Griff II being far cuter.Should Drake make it all the way to the Final Four, we encourage Griff II to apply for an exception because the venue and game schedules can accommodate a bulldog.Griffs appeal goes far beyond the world of sport.The bulldog was seen at the Republican Presidential debate at Drake College in 2024.And it was joked that unlike the candidates on display, Griff had a 100 per cent approval rating.In their opening match, Drake managed to cope without their beloved mascot as they pulled off a stunning upset.The Des Moines-based team were 67-57 winners against sixth seeds Missouri Tigers.They will now take on third seeds Texas Tech on Saturday.The Red Raiders beat the UNC Wilmington Seahawks 82-72 in their first match..

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