STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma State University officials say students’ sign referencing the Trail of Tears at an ESPN event prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles crossed the line.
Oklahoma news outlets report the sign, held Saturday at ESPN’s College GameDay event, read: “Send ’em home #Trail_of_Tears #GoPokes.”
OSU spokesman Gary Shutt says it is insensitive and the university does not condone it. The school’s Twitter account says OSU “requested that it be removed.” The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.
The Trail of Tears refers to the relocation of Native Americans from the southeastern U.S. in the 19th century, including members of the Cherokee, Muscogee, Seminole, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations now based in Oklahoma.
OSU plays No. 1 FSU in Dallas Saturday night.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
