Comparing Chief Illiniwek to Bucky Badger is apples and oranges. Although the Chief may have been considered a "mascot" by the NCAA and the University, his presence at athletic events was brief, ceremonial and as a member of the band. Mascots are glorified cheerleaders, whereas the Chief represented much more to a great deal of Illini. Although I'm not surprised the University decided that it was better off without Illiniwek, and I fully understand their reasons for doing so, comparing the Chief to a conventional college mascot cheapens the legacy.