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Chief Illiniwek, the so-called “symbol” of the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, danced his final performance Wednesday, Feb. 21, due to controversy surrounding the cultural implications of the “symbol” as well as NCAA sanctions on the University. The current portrayer of the Chief, Dan Maloney, was not granted the restraining order against the University for which he petitioned last week, which would have stopped the University from retiring the Chief.  The long-standing controversy was renewed last January when Oglala Souix members, who donated the outfit the Chief wears during performances, asked for the clothing back.  Student reaction was mostly against the decision.

2/21/07 Read More About the Retirement from the University of Illinois

2/19/07 Read More About Maloney's Case from the University of Illinois