A good discourse on the topic (including a statement that there actually are descendents of the Illiniwek, and that they do object to the U of I's mascot use):
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/edi...ive_americans/
A decent, fairly unbiased article on the topic:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/sport...cots_8-25.html
The NCAA's original release:
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/!ut/p..._comm_rls.html
Incidentally, I still don't understand how the NCAA's position can be characterized as one of money. I haven't read through/into anything in their releases or official policy that leads me to think that.
Edited to include:
I think that if the NCAA were concerned that much about its bottom line and profit margins (especially at its Championships, where it makes much of its money), they would've/could've avoided this issue (as it is an extremely controversial one that would invoke much resistance from its member institutions), and kept it out of the public eye for the most part, and, instead, chose
not to put policies into place regarding alcohol at its Championships (see bottom section of the last linked article on the NCAA's website).
I'm not suggesting that the NCAA is perfect, all-knowing, always in the right, not at all concerned with monetary issues, etc., etc.,, but I'm not convinced this one is a financial issue, yet.