One of the unfortunate elements about the NCAA basketball tournament is that in addition to some great basketball, it brings around a few reminders of what an unpleasant organization the NCAA can be:
During the first round of the N.C.A.A. tournament last weekend, John Goodman — a freshman who wears a steer costume to cheer for the Texas Longhorns — did what comes naturally to mascots: He patted a referee on the back.
This usually brings applause, laughter or good-natured booing from fans. But in the postseason tournament, when rules are stricter, N.C.A.A. supervisors “actually kind of reprimanded me,” Goodman said, “and they also told me I stood up too often.”
Now, I realize there have been past instances of fights between mascots, and the like, but really. Lighten the hell up, will you?
On a vaguely related note, here’s a list of the 25 Worst Mascots in Division I (via Off the Kuff). I don’t agree with all the choices, but it’s mostly pretty funny.