New UNLV Mascot?

[Sonny44]

As most of you know, by now, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) has proposed changing the mascot of UNLV from the Rebel theme to something else. This, apparently, in the connotation of "rebel" w/ something to do with the Confederate flag in the aftermath of the Charleston, SC, murders.

There are all kinds of disagreement with Sen. Reid's proposal, but I'll cut to the chase. How about these alternate mascots: 1. Sunrays, 2. Roadrunners, 3. Rattlers, 4. Scorpions, 5. Falcons, 6. The Show, 7. Desert Rats?

I've never understood why UNLV with its location, has had the "Rebel" moniker. Well, I do know, so don't respond to this issue. FYI, the sunray is a native plant in the Lake Mead area & has a nice ring to it, because southern Nevada is all about the sun. Roadrunners might appeal, because it carries over the "Runnin' Rebel" moniker; in the cartoons the roadrunner always outsmarted the coyote.

 

[LasVegasReb]

As most of you know, by now, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) has proposed changing the mascot of UNLV from the Rebel theme to something else. This, apparently, in the connotation of "rebel" w/ something to do with the Confederate flag in the aftermath of the Charleston, SC, murders.

There are all kinds of disagreement with Sen. Reid's proposal, but I'll cut to the chase. How about these alternate mascots: 1. Sunrays, 2. Roadrunners, 3. Rattlers, 4. Scorpions, 5. Falcons, 6. The Show, 7. Desert Rats?

I've never understood why UNLV with its location, has had the "Rebel" moniker. Well, I do know, so don't respond to this issue. FYI, the sunray is a native plant in the Lake Mead area & has a nice ring to it, because southern Nevada is all about the sun. Roadrunners might appeal, because it carries over the "Runnin' Rebel" moniker; in the cartoons the roadrunner always outsmarted the coyote.

I wrote about this on the Confidential board. A couple things...Reid came back out to clarify that he was NOT suggesting to change the mascot. A reporter questioned whether UNLV should change the mascot and his response wasn't as eloquent as he intended. So he came back out and clarified.

Any potential Confederate connotation and old Confederate Wolf Mascot Beauregard was dealt with in the 70's and Hey Reb was created in the early 80's as new mountain-man. We are the Rebels who rebelled against our brethren up North (UNR).

Unless the current mascot was truly offending people, I just don't think it should be a thought.

But I'll play...if I had to choose from your list, it would be may be 'Scorpions'? Mustangs? BTW, UNLV contemplated change mascot and suggested alternatives included Big Horn Rams, Nuggets, A-Bombs, and Sand Burners.

Story Behind the Stache

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

I really do not see any issue with the moniker Rebels at all. If any university should have to change their name it should be Ole'Miss Rebels it is pretty easy to connect the dots as to where the name originated from.

As for your list.

Falcons is taken by Air Force already in our conference. University of Nevada Las Vegas THE SHOW really doesn't roll of the tongue and it is what the SDSU student section calls itself.(I get where you were trying to go there though.). Desert Rats to close to Bottle Rats which is an on going joke in Las Vegas about girls at a club.

Of the ones listed Roadrunners I guess would work. Coyotes are pretty native to the outlying area as well. If anything change it to UNLV Rebellion and be done with it. Keep the colors, keep Hey Reb. Or go the Sanford route, instead of The Stanford Cardinal (reference to their color not the bird) be the UNLV Scarlet not great but it keeps the schools original colors in the equation.

On a side note.

Is the moniker UNLV Rebels really anymore offensive than any of the following?

West Virginia Mountaineers-Musket toting guy that promotes gun violence.
Texas Tech Red Raiders-Guns Up is their slogan and again promotes gun violence.
Oklahoma State Cowboys-Guns.Mascot name is Pistol Pete very insensitive to victims of gun violence.
Ole'Miss Rebels-Undoubtedly is referencing Mississippi's role in the Civil War. Up until I believe 10 years ago they still allowed fans to wave Confederate flags in the stadium.
South Carolina Game Cocks- Glamorizes rooster fighting which promotes animal cruelty.

(I am actually not offended by any of these)

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

"But I'll play...if I had to choose from your list, it would be may be 'Scorpions'? Mustangs? BTW, UNLV contemplated change mascot and suggested alternatives included Big Horn Rams, Nuggets, A-Bombs, and Sand Burners."

If we were forced to change it, then I guess Mustangs or Colts would work. A-Bombs promotes nuclear war I am sure there are some folks that would find that very offensive.. Sand Burners doesn't work for me at all. I would rather be the Dust Devils.

 

[b4ron]

I vote the UNLV Rebels! If they want our Gambling, Guns, and Rebellious ways, they can come and take them!