HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 01: Butler Bulldogs mascot Blue II on the court as Butler practices prior to the 2011 Final Four of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament at Reliant Stadium on April 1, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Butler Blue III—a very good boy—is banned at March Madness, and it’s a damn shame.

SB Nation notes that an NCAA rule states live mascots aren’t allowed in the Tournament until the Final Four. So, unless the Butler Bulldogs make it that far, Butler Blue III will be sidelined.

It’s disgraceful the NCAA looked at this face and decided NOPE, not allowed!

What is this, a restaurant? No pets, no shoes, no service? Come freaking on.

The only logical explanation I can pin down for the ban is, they don’t want opposing players or fans to see Blue III and develop instant paralysis from his cuteness.

I didn’t have a dog in the NCAA Tournament, but I sure do now. I’m cheering for the Butler Bulldogs to win the championship just so I can see this good boy get a chance to parade the sidelines. Butler Blue III needs to be there to watch his boys try to win it all.

Butler Blue III is the spirit behind the Bulldogs. Keeping him at home is silly. He offers post-game cuddles and can console Bulldogs players and staff should the team suffer defeat.

To the NCAA, I say…

Shame.

[SB Nation]

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com