Cat Andersen/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - The Butler Bulldogs will be without their bulldog mascot when the team plays in the NCAA tournament on Thursday.
The NCAA says "Blue II" can't be at the game against Old Dominion, a disappointing ruling for the team's most dogged fans. Blue II tried to board the team bus for the big game in Washington D.C., but was told he couldn't go.
"Look at him, he looks blue," said Blue II's "dad," Michael Kaltenmark.
You'd look blue, too, if you were one of the stars of the Final Four last year and then were treated like a regular dog during first round games this year.
"I was disappointed, but not too surprised," Kaltenmark said. "This precedent has been set by the NCAA."
The NCAA released a statement on the matter.
"We granted an exception for the Final Four last year. In preliminary rounds, given the limited space and tight turnaround at venues with multiple sessions, the rule is 'No live animals may enter the building'," the organization wrote. "This was specifically communicated to Butler last season."
He may seem quiet now, but Blue II has been tweeting up a storm, letting his fans know exactly how he feels about missing the game.
"A lot of fun banter going back and forth, talking about the game, talking about Blue's absence," Kaltenmark said.
In one tweet, Blue II snapped back, saying, "I can turn around in tight spaces."
The real question is if the team will need him if they get in a tight spot. Throughout the season, the starting line-up rubs his head for good luck before each game.
"We need Blue there, but we'll keep him at heart," said Butler player Shawn Vanzant.
""It's obviously very disappointing, but I think we'll be alright," said center Andrew Smith.
"It's sort of sad that he can't go," said senior Matt Howard.
But Howard admits, Blue II's bye week now may be his ticket to courtside seats when it really matters.
"He wasn't there for first round last year, so if you look at it that way and you're superstitious, maybe he shouldn't be there," Howard said.
From Blue II's point of view, his team is off to earn him a spot in the spotlight once again in the Final Four.
Show your support with a Blue II mask!
