Ohio Governor Takes His Authoritarian Jackboot Off The Neck Of Live Tiger Mascot

Obie the Massillon tiger is saved! Gov. Ted Strickland announced yesterday he "will ensure the rules allow for the established mascot programs to continue," which means Obie will be free do whatever it is a caged sideline tiger does.

According to the governor's spokeswoman, the executive order Strickland is planning to sign this fall will not affect Ohio's precious, long-held live-mascot traditions, nor will it affect zoos or research programs, although those were never in doubt. Unfortunately, the outlook is still grim for all those mom-and-pop animal preserves throughout the state. But hey, as long as the kids get to make loud, sudden noises around a fucking tiger during rivalry week, everything should be a-okay.

Tiger mascot Obie can stay [Canton Repository]