PETA Seeks Bevo Ban from Cotton Bowl Classic

PETA has urged the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Commissioner Greg Sankey to prevent Texas Longhorns' live mascot, Bevo, from attending the Cotton Bowl Classic against Ohio State. This request follows previous bans on Bevo attending games at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium due to safety concerns and limited sideline space. PETA's concerns are based on the stress and potential danger posed to Bevo by the noisy and chaotic environment of a football stadium, highlighted by a 2019 incident where Bevo charged the University of Georgia's mascot, Uga, at the Sugar Bowl. PETA argues that live animals should not be used as mascots at sporting events, suggesting ethical alternatives like human mascots. The use of live animal mascots has been increasingly opposed by the public, as evidenced by a recent incident involving a live tiger at an LSU game. The winner of the Cotton Bowl will progress to face Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship.