A college football mascot is facing backlash for what many are calling “inappropriate” behavior toward a female reporter during a game this past weekend.
On Saturday, Syracuse hosted No. 6 Miami in a thrilling matchup at the JMA Wireless Dome. In a surprising turn of events, the Orange pulled off a major upset, defeating the Hurricanes 42-38. While Fran Brown’s Syracuse team celebrated a huge on-field victory, the Miami Hurricanes mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, found himself in hot water for an incident involving a female reporter.
Sebastian, the well-known Miami Hurricanes mascot, is under fire for his conduct during the game. A female sports reporter, who covers Syracuse, called out the mascot for asking for her phone number while the game was in progress.
The reporter, Ashley Wenskoski, who works as a sports anchor and reporter for CNY Central in New York, took to social media to share her experience.
Posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), Wenskoski described the incident, saying, “Sebastian the Ibis (Miami’s mascot) just kneeled down and asked for my number mid-drive. Feels like he has bigger things to worry about with his team on the ropes in the 4th quarter at the Dome… but who am I to say.” Her post quickly gained attention, with many fans expressing their thoughts on the mascot’s behavior.
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College football fans had mixed reactions, with some criticizing the mascot’s behavior as unprofessional, while others made light of the situation. One fan wrote, “Another L for Miami on the day,” referencing the Hurricanes’ loss. Another fan joked, “Long distance never works, come on!” highlighting the absurdity of the situation given the game’s intensity.
Some fans questioned whether the interaction was meant as a joke or if it crossed a line. “For real or was he playing?! Miami could not maintain discipline across the board, it seems!” one fan commented, pointing out the mascot’s behavior as emblematic of the team’s struggles that day.
Others weighed in on whether the mascot’s actions should be taken seriously. “Is that technically unprofessional behavior? I mean, it’s a college kid in a duck suit,” a fan added, attempting to downplay the situation. Still, another chimed in, “Imagine getting put in the national headlines for flirting with a girl,” underscoring the awkwardness of the incident and the publicity it garnered.
The behavior of Sebastian the Ibis has prompted a broader discussion about professionalism and boundaries, even when it comes to mascots.
While mascots are meant to entertain and pump up the crowd, incidents like this raise questions about what behavior is appropriate, especially when they are representing their school at major events.
The incident involving Wenskoski has certainly drawn negative attention, putting a damper on what was otherwise an exciting day for college football.
For Miami, the weekend was one to forget—both on and off the field. The Hurricanes, despite being heavily favored, were handed a surprising defeat by Syracuse, and now their mascot’s actions have sparked a wave of controversy.
However, the Hurricanes are still in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff, and the team will soon find out its new ranking when the College Football Playoff selection committee releases its updated standings on Tuesday night.
This incident serves as a reminder that every member of a college football program—players, coaches, mascots, and staff—are all representatives of their respective institutions.
While Sebastian the Ibis’ actions may have been intended as a harmless joke, it is clear that it left a negative impression, and Miami will be looking to move past the weekend’s mishaps and focus on their playoff aspirations.
