Butler’s mascot is a very good dog named Butler Blue III, and every time the Bulldogs make the NCAA tournament, he isn’t allowed inside the arena for the games. It’s because, as explained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bill Glauber:

NCAA rules prohibit live mascots from making appearances during the early rounds of the tournament. If Butler gets to the Final Four, the school can petition to have the dog attend the festivities.

Just because it doesn’t seem like the rules will ever change, doesn’t mean Blue III is going to give up. Free Blue 3, he says.

Here’s what Blue III will be doing while Butler plays Middle Tennessee in the second round on Saturday, according to Glauber:

On Saturday, Blue III will make the rounds, attending a pregame event for Butler fans where he’ll surely be the center of attention. And when the teams tip off, Blue III will be back at the hotel, tucked in his room, watching the game on television.

I just don’t understand how anyone could deny this guy access to any game.

Good dog.