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The Georgia Southern Eagles rotate two quarterbacks and it’s not a problem. The tradition-laden program debuted alternate uniforms last night and it was all good.
But a change at mascot? That’s another story.
In what may be the most controversial mascot decision since the days of Admiral Ackbar at Ole Miss, Georgia Southern’s “Gus” got a makeover.
The Internet was not amused.
RT if your child cried tonight because of the "New Gus" #bringbackgus pic.twitter.com/fCR2HETH3l
— GATA Glenn Ingram (@gataglenningram) September 4, 2016
You can clearly see the changes above. The buggier eyes, smaller beak, thicker brows, slightly square-ish head. It was too much. #BringBackGus was off and running not long after the opening night win over Savannah State was over.
Sometimes it feels like somebody's watching me. #BringBackGus pic.twitter.com/nZ7mydZjGi
— I Got Mail! YAY!! (@Donniebrooks4) September 4, 2016
@GS_AthMKTG So...You guys know anything about this??? #BringBackGus pic.twitter.com/RON6XSpXmc
— Georgia Southern Guy (@GaSouthernGuy) September 4, 2016
Old Gus vs. new Gus #BringBackGUS@GSAthletics pic.twitter.com/bbh6TdXpgH
— Jackson Popkin (@jackson_popkin) September 4, 2016
That is so wrong on so many levels.
@GaSouthernCheer @GSAthletics The fans have spoken...#BringBackGus pic.twitter.com/cENxbpupwn
— Stephanie Fitzgerald (@StephF2014) September 4, 2016
Whoever deicide to kill Gus and bring in his ugly younger brother should be fired #BringBackGus
— Ryan David Duke (@dukegsu) September 4, 2016
I swear, they're the same person. #BringBackGus pic.twitter.com/5WMEZTWADL
— James Braswell (@JimmyBraswell) September 4, 2016
If I were @Freedom_GATA I'd be careful from all these cutbacks @GaSouthernCheer @TheBigGuyWJCL #bringbackGUS pic.twitter.com/8oADIzFj4Y
— Dr. Matt Barrett (@MadMattBarrett) September 4, 2016
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The firestorm was such that GS Athletic Director Tom Kleinlein had to issue a clarification: He was not behind the change.
I did not change GUS so I can't bring back old GUS. He does not report to me. https://t.co/tu3X0IqfNE
— Tom Kleinlein (@TKleinleinAD) September 4, 2016
Would love to but he does not answer to me.. https://t.co/5NLDjRbqsS
— Tom Kleinlein (@TKleinleinAD) September 4, 2016
Who is behind the mascot change? I don’t know, but it’s gonna get ugly if this Internet mob finds out.
It’s unknown when or if we’ll ever see the “old” Gus again. For now, we have to settle for this touching tribute from WJCL’s Frank Sulkowski.
For all my #BringBackGus folks...I've made a little tribute to help us sleep better tonight. pic.twitter.com/Hy4m4WAA81
— Frank Sulkowski WJCL (@TheBigGuyWJCL) September 4, 2016
Until we meet again.