URBANA - The University of Illinois will drop its 81-year-old American Indian mascot, Chief Illiniwek, following the last men's home game of the season on Wednesday, officials said. The move makes the school eligible to host postseason NCAA championship events.

The NCAA in 2005 deemed Illiniwek - portrayed by buckskin-clad students who dance at home football and basketball games and other athletic events - an offensive use of American Indian imagery and barred the university from hosting postseason events.

"The Chief Illiniwek tradition inspired and thrilled members of the University of Illinois community for 80 years," Board of trustees chairman Lawrence Eppley said in a statement. "It was created, carried on, and enjoyed by people with great respect for tradition, and we appreciate their dedication and commitment. It will be important now to ensure the accurate recounting and safekeeping of the tradition as an integral part of the history of the university."

American Indian groups and others have complained for years that the mascot, used since 1926, is demeaning. Supporters of the mascot say it honors the contributions of American Indians to Illinois.

According to the university, it received a letter from the NCAA dated Thursday that said the school will no longer be banned from hosting postseason events if it ends use of the mascot and related American Indian imagery.

The NCAA's sanctions thus far have prevented Illinois from hosting only two postseason events, both in low-profile sports.

On Thursday, two students who portray the chief filed a lawsuit asking the Champaign County Circuit Court to bar the university from "capitulating to the NCAA by announcing the retirement of Chief Illiniwek." A hearing on the lawsuit was under way Friday morning.

The university has declined comment on the students' suit, while the NCAA says it believes its sanctions are legal.

A state district judge in North Dakota in November granted a preliminary injunction in a similar lawsuit filed over the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname and use of American Indian imagery.

In the lawsuit, the students also argued that by imposing sanctions, the NCAA failed to provide due process to the students and the university.

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Status of schools on NCAA's restricted list

INDIANAPOLIS - An update on schools that have appeared on the NCAA's list of offenders for the use of Indian nicknames and mascots. Only three schools remain on the list, which bars them from hosting NCAA postseason events.

Still subject to restrictions

Alcorn State (Braves), did not appeal.

Arkansas State (Indians), did not appeal.

University of North Dakota (Fighting Sioux), appeal rejected.

Removed from list

Catawba College (Indians), won appeal.

Central Michigan (Chippewas), won appeal.

Florida State (Seminoles), won appeal.

Mississippi College (Choctaws), won appeal.

University of Utah (Utes), won appeal.

Changing nicknames

Carthage College (Redmen), changed nickname to Red Men, dropped Indian feather from logo.

Chowan College (Braves), will change nickname and logo by 2007-08 school year.

University of Illinois (Fighting Illini), keeping nickname, dropping Chief Illiniwek mascot and other imagery after final home basketball game Feb. 21.

Indiana University-Pennsylvania (Indians), changed nickname to Crimson Hawks.

University of Louisiana-Monroe (Indians), will change nickname and mascot by 2007-08 school year.

McMurry University (Indians), intends to change nickname and drop Indian imagery.

Midwestern State University (Indians), changed nickname to Mustangs.

Newberry College (Indians), will change nickname and drop Indian imagery by fall 2008.

Northeastern State University (Redmen), will change nickname after August 2007.

Southeastern Oklahoma State (Savages), changed nickname to Savage Storm.

William & Mary (The Tribe), will change nickname and drop logo that includes Indian feathers.

Placed on watch list

Bradley (Braves), NCAA will monitor use of nickname and imagery for five years, but allow the school to host postseason events.

Source: NCAA

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Illini blog

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