Drake's mascot Griff II celebrated despite NCAA restrictions

Griff II, the live bulldog mascot for Drake University, is making waves during March Madness, even if he can’t attend the games. The six-year-old dog has been spotted napping with the Bulldogs, attending Selection Sunday events, and signing autographs in Wichita. However, due to NCAA rules, live mascots are not allowed at early tournament rounds, with exceptions only for the Final Four. The NCAA confirmed this rule, stating it must be enforced for all teams. An NCAA spokesperson mentioned that allowing one live mascot could lead to others being permitted, which would not be fair. They acknowledged Griff II's cuteness but emphasized the need for fairness in enforcing the rules. Despite not being allowed into the arena, Griff II still celebrated Drake's surprising 67-57 victory over Missouri. His social media account shared the moment, calling it “Winning” with a fun song playing. This victory surprised many as it disrupted March Madness brackets significantly. As the tournament progresses, Griff II will rest before watching his team face Texas Tech in the next round. If Drake continues to win, there's hope for Griff II to join them courtside in future games.