DU Athletics released a statement yesterday retracting a memo that said “spirit representatives nor varsity sports teams are permitted to take pictures and/or support the ‘unofficial’ mascot at events or beyond.”

“I didn’t know about that memo,” said Peg Bradley-Doppes, vice chancellor of the Division of Athletics and Recreation.

The unofficial mascot, modeled after former DU mascot Denver Boone, made his debut two weeks ago at the men’s lacrosse game at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

He was funded by over $5,000 in donations from alumni, students and fans.

Members of the DU Dance Team took a photo with the Pioneer mascot following the game, which prompted the original memo.

The original memo was sent by Angel Field, director of in-event production and promotions.

In her retraction sent to coaches and athletic staff, Bradley-Doppes’ stated, “Boone is welcome with open arms to our events as our ‘UNOFFICIAL MASCOT,’ especially since the mascot is a DU student. Fans, student -athletes, students and spirit team members are allowed to take INFORMAL pictures with Boone. However, formal shots that include coaches, administrators and student-athletes, etc. are not permitted.”

Although the Pioneer mascot will not be allowed on the ice at hockey games due to safety concerns he will be allowed throughout the concourse just as any other student or alumni holding a ticket.

“We will embrace them (any mascot) just for demonstrating their spirit and love for the university,” Bradley-Doppes said.

“It’s a very different thing from the university adopting Boone as one of its official images or trademarks or things of that nature,” Chancellor Robert Coombe said. “I think you have to recognize that there are still groups of students, undergraduate, graduate and faculty that are opposed to Boone.”

Coombe has yet to see the Pioneer mascot.

This week, the Pioneer mascot might be seen at May Days promotions, all around campus on Tuesday and Thursday and at the men’s lacrosse game on Saturday night.