URBANA — The debate over a new athletic mascot for the University of Illinois may consume fans, pro or con, but it's not exactly the top priority for UI trustees.
Board members say their focus is on more pressing issues — namely, the nonexistent state budget.
"To be quite honest, I haven't thought a whole lot about that idea, given all of the things going on at the university and this godforsaken state," said Trustee Ricardo Estrada, echoing comments from other trustees.
Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson announced May 2 that the campus would launch a process to choose a mascot, nine years after the retirement of Chief Illiniwek.