That's what this sounds like to me. Another cover up.
If what the press release says is true, it confirms that Tech runs the worst live mascot program in the United States. How incompetent do you have to be to issue a press release out of the blue saying that you retired your mascot 10 days before due to a length-of-service protocol you developed 3 years ago after going a year without a live mascot due supposedly trying to figure out how to properly run a live mascot program and won't begin discussions for a replacement mascot until the end of Fall quarter?
We have such a great tradition with our live mascot, but our university doesn't have a clue how to respect it. Truly sad.
The article said this: "At the recommendation of veterinarians and guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture, Tech XXI’s retirement follows Louisiana Tech’s length-of-service protocol for the live bulldog mascot, developed prior to Tech XXI’s selection in 2013."
To me, this doesn't say the length-of-service protocol specifies a definitive timeline and that administrators just woke up to realize the 3-year period was ending, but that the protocol includes evaluation of circumstances that may call for the end of the mascot's length-of-service, such as an unforeseen health concern.
Is there some kind of conspiracy to conceal Tech XXI's health status? Hell, the nation has been losing their shit over Mike VI. If he's sick, let us know, it's not that big of a deal, not that big of a secret. Why hide something like that?
Seems more likely that we forgot.
I've heard he needs facial reconstruction surgery. Could be why the decided to retire him after evaluation. Wish they would have said something along those lines when they issued the retirement announcement though.
No idea about Tech XXI's health status. I read a lot more into it than it seems others did. I thought "at the recommendation of veterinarians" implied there is a health concern and that, retirement was recommended, in accordance with the l-o-s protocol.
So, if people believe this was overlooked or there was dereliction of duty, is the assumption that the protocol calls for a new live mascot every three years? Surely not.
Agree--the press release could have been clearer. I'm just not seeing a "conspiracy" or "cover up" as has been suggested.
High maintenaince dogs that are only good to look at. They can't even breed without AI. Crazy!
My vet jokingly told me he put two girls through college treating Bulldogs at his practice! They are great and unique dogs but have a lot of issues and can be a money pit. The dog I have now is named Dooley.