Oregon, Oregon State agree to rename rivalry

The Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers have mutually agreed to rename their annual football rivalry game, now formerly known as ‘The Civil War.’

Oregon State school president Ed Ray saying: “That we did not act before to change the name was a mistake. We do so now, along with other important actions to advance equal opportunity and justice for all and in recognition that Black Lives Matter.”

Ray’s full statement is here:

“Changing this name is overdue as it represents a connection to a war fought to perpetuate slavery,” Oregon State president Ed Ray said in a statement. “While not intended as reference to the actual Civil War, OSU sports competition should not provide any misconstrued reference to this divisive episode in American history. That we did not act before to change the name was a mistake. We do so now, along with other important actions to advance equal opportunity and justice for all and in recognition that Black Lives Matter.”

Oregon athletics director Rob Mullens also had a statement on the mutual decision, pointing at former Ducks QB Dennis Dixon as a catalyst for change.

“We must all recognize the power of words and the symbolism associated with the Civil War,” Mullens said. “This mutual decision is in the best interests of both schools, and I would like to thank [Oregon State athletic director] Scott Barnes for his diligence as we worked through this process. We look forward to our continued and fierce in-state rivalry with Oregon State in all sports.”

The two schools will play their 124th matchup later this year in November.

Oregon currently leads the overall series 66-47-10.

The Ducks and Beavers also hold the collegiate record for most men’s basketball games played against one another at 354.

A hunt for the new name has begun on social media.

Some of the names optioned out have been great.

Throw your best name below!