The three University students who comprise comedy rap group Supwitchugirl might have been smelling roses when their video, “I Love My Ducks,” blossomed into an overnight success, but now all they can smell is trouble.
The beef between the trio and the University athletic department continued unabated yesterday when Supwitchugirl wrote on its Facebook page that the athletic department nixed an offer from Nike to edit out the copyrighted Duck mascot and play the video on the Jumbotron during the upcoming Civil War football game.
The group urged its fans to e-mail Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing Angie Sit, who they said was behind the decision.
However, Executive Assistant Athletic Director Dave Williford contested the group’s claim.
“The only thing I can tell you is that the kids haven’t contacted Mike Bellotti or anyone in the University administration,” Williford said. “The athletic department’s stance remains consistent as it ever was.”
“The kids have, I think, grossly and unfairly chastised Angie Sit for someone who is just doing her job,” Williford continued. “And I think the tactics employed border on harassment. The department has not been presented this request, and then (Supwitchugirl) go on Facebook with hearsay. They’re trying to strong-arm a decision.”
In the meantime, the controversy is only making the video more popular, Supwitchugirl member Michael Bishop said.
“I mean, it’s like the UO is shooting itself in the foot,” Bishop said. “We got e-mails from high school kids who watch it in between classes and sing it.”
Controversy aside, Bishop said he still thinks showing the video at the game would be unbelievable.
“That’s a dream,” he said. “Sixty thousand people singing the song. I don’t think there’s anything like that to motivate a team.”
30 comments
That would probably be a great compromise now, wouldn't it?Mr. Williford, looks to me like the University has an opportunity to support their students that had a great idea that has garnered some national publicity for not only the University but also for our Ducks! Or... you could always go the negative publicity route. Oh wait, you already are!