We had no choice but to respond to this group that says we're 'hostile or abusive. We decided we had to go after them - and that's what we did.

Because of the harshness of words like 'hostile' and 'abusive,' we have no choice but to pursue our appeal and prove -- at whatever level -- that there is no such thing here,

We must press our case, because to let the charge of hostile and abusive stand would have a chilling effect to prospective faculty, staff and, most importantly, prospective American Indian students we are here to serve,

no choice but to pursue an appeal.

I did tell him I was going to issue this appeal. I have talked with no fewer than several dozen American Indians on this, him included.

We believe hostile or abusive nicknames are troubling to us and it can't continue. We're trying to send a message, very strongly, saying that these mascots are not appropriate for NCAA championships.