UGA Taking PETA Request Seriously

Apparently the cause for the delay in naming the new Uga had less to do with finding a replacement and more to do with Georgia actually considering a request to replace the famed mascot with a robotic alternative.

PETA requested Georgia switch from a live dog on the sidelines to a robotic one after Uga VII passed away last November. At the time, the school made no remarks about the likelihood of taking the request under consideration, but a source within the administrations now tells me they're preparing to do exactly that.

Reports indicate that several prototype mascots were created by engineering students at Georgia Tech in a secret competition to build the new Uga robot. All Tech students who participated in the contest were first obligated to sign a confidentiality notice before they were even fully informed of the aim of the contest.

I'm stunned by the news, but the source giving me the information has always been credible in the past.

Live dogs have been a presence on the Georgia field for more than half a century, so the change would no doubt meet with an intense backlash from fans, but marketing consultant April Scherz said she sees some opportunity for the school, too.

"From a marketing standpoint, I'm sure plenty of people will be tuning in to get a look at the robotic dog," Sherz said. "It's a chance for Georgia to change its image and set a new standard on how the school reacts to public sentiment."

Or it could be a complete disaster.

Obviously none of this is finalized yet, but a deal on the new robot could be struck as early as next week.

Let's wait and see how this plays out, but my guess is this would be one more nail in Michael Adams' coffin with fans following the new tailgating restrictions announced last month.

Sonny Seiler was not available for comment.