Minnesota Mascot Mock Trial

Minnesota apologizes for mascot mocking praying PSU player
AP

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The University of Minnesota is apologizing after its Goldy Gopher mascot poked fun at a Penn State football player who was praying before last week's game.

A video made before Saturday's game at State College shows Penn State defensive end Jerome Hayes kneeling in prayer in the end zone.

Goldy Gopher kneels in front of Hayes, according to the video posted on YouTube. When Hayes stands up, so does Goldy. The mascot tries to make some contact, but Hayes ignores him and trots back to the bench.



Minnesota spokesman Dan Wolter says the stunt was "plainly a mistake" and the mascot didn't intend to offend anyone or trivialize religion.

Penn State athletics spokesman Brian Siegrist had no comment Thursday. Penn State won the game 20-0.

I know I'm at least a week late to the party on this story but I wanted to get to it eventually. If you can see above Minnesota's mascot mocked a Penn State player for praying before the game. I for one was not surprised.

It's well known in the naimal world that gophers are godless, evil creatues. Almost all rodents are. Only the beaver is said to be a more sacreligious creature (for obvious reasons). Of course if you had greenskeepers like Bill Murray trying to eradicate your species continuously, you might find your faith in the higher power shaken as well. WWGGD? What Would Goldy Gopher Do?