The long search is over, and unfortunately, it’s not a trap.  Admiral Akbar, everyone’s favorite choice for the new mascot for the Ole Miss Rebels, didn’t make the final cut.  Instead, the three choices were the Rebel Black Bear, the Hotty Toddy (whatever that is), and the Land Shark.  Of course, the coolest of those three choices (the Land Shark) didn’t win; instead, the winner was the Rebel Black Bear, the new mascot of the University of Mississippi.

“We selected the Rebel Black Bear because it was supported through the entire process and was the lead runner in the final poll,” said Margaret Ann Morgan, co-chair of the Mascot Selection Committee.  “It has a Mississippi connection, is timeless, appeals to children, is unique to the SEC and fits the other characteristics established in the initial focus groups.  Through this long process we have seen the love that people have for the university.  Having listened to all of those groups, we know this is a choice that best represents what they have said they looked for in a mascot.”

Ole Miss dropped their former mascot 7 years ago, noting Colonel Reb’s connection to Ole Miss’s segregated past and historically racist overtones.  I guess I just didn’t know Mississippi had bears.

Image:  NBC Sports

Tags: Ole Miss, Ole Miss Rebels, Ole Miss Rebel Black Bear, Rebel Black Bear, Ole Mis mascot, new mascot for Ole Miss, Colonel Reb replaced by bear, Admiral Akbar, mascot contest, college athletics

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