There’s a cheerleading controversy between Oregon and Oregon State
A. Isaac 
Apparently, there’s some bad blood between Oregon and Oregon State these days that stretches far beyond the football field and the hardwood. During Sunday’s Civil War matchup at Oregon’s Matthew Knight arena, the OSU cheerleaders were told to take a seat—in the stands. Not on the court or perhaps even behind the visiting team bench, but among the paying fans. And they were told not to step foot on the court to support the Beavers.
Weird.
Here’s Paul Buker of The Oregonian with some details:
Cheer team/dance team coach Amber Bezates said she had an opinion on the fact Oregon wouldn’t allow the OSU cheerleaders on the floor, but didn’t want to express it publically (I think she just did).
OSU assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions Nikki Pruett was equally circumspect, noting only that, “we were just told by (Oregon) that they didn’t have space accomodations for us, so we did not send our cheer team. Basically it was a University of Oregon decision.’’
There was a previous agreement between the two schools but Oregon State is now taking the high road and extending an olive branch, telling Ducks cheerleaders they are more than welcome to come for the return trip in Corvallis.
“If the UO cheerleaders want to come, they’re welcome,’’ said Steve Fenk, the school’s sports information director.
“If it came down to that, we would definitely consider letting them come.’’
Much ado about nothing? Maybe. But the Oregon athletic department looks awfully petty here. Especially since the Beavers didn’t even need the cheer support en route to a 76-71 win.
Stay tuned as this story may eventually produce a cheerleader/dance team brawl of some kind. One that will hopefully involve pom poms, pillows, a sleepover, some nighties, and oh, nevermind.
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