Chief Illiniwek protesters, supporters turn out for Illinois' final home basketball game
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Nearly 100 demonstrators stood outside the main entrance to the State Farm Center chanting, "Down with the Chief," and holding signs demanding a new university mascot before Illinois' final home basketball game Thursday.
Fans wearing symbols of Chief Illiniwek walked by, some thumping the logo on their jackets or waving an orange flag with the image of a Native American wearing a headdress.
A group of fans had designated the game - a 93-86 loss to No. 9 Purdue - "Paint the Hall Chief" in hopes of inspiring the crowd to wear clothing with the logo on it. Many did, and some held up printed orange signs with the Chief's image.
The demonstrators aimed
