Good bye Colonel Reb, hello Rebel Black Bear.

(Image: University of Mississippi, Student Mascot Selection Committee)

Mississippi has concluded its efforts to come up with a successor to Colonel Reb, seen to many as an unfavorable connection with the "Old South".

More than 13,000 votes were cast and the Rebel Black Bear won around three-fifths of the support to become the next mascot for Ole Miss.

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In light of recent stories of agents providing college athletes with improper benefits, a legislator in Oregon is planning on addressing this issue.

Oregon state Senate President Peter Courtney revealed that he plans on introducing legislation next year that aims to limit agent contact and influence over college and high school athletes.

The legislation will, broaden the definition of a sports agent to include contract advisers, financial planners, etc., make agents register with the state as well as with each institution where they intend to make contact with athletes; protect athletes down to the elementary school level from these agents, and make it illegal to funnel improper benefits to the athlete via family members or friends.

In a release, the legislation will be introduced next year as he and his staff are working with officials at Oregon's colleges and universities as well as working with the state's attorney general regarding enforcement.

- Fred Sakai