The University of Texas says longhorn steer mascot Bevo XIV has a “life-threatening condition” and won’t travel to Dallas for the team’s Saturday game against No. 10 Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl.
The Silver Spurs organization that takes care of the mascot didn’t disclose Bevo’s illness Wednesday and said his condition was still being explored by veterinarians.
The steer has been the school’s mascot since 2004, replacing Bevo XIII. It weighs 2,100 pounds and has a horn span of 82 inches.
"Bevo is a fighter, a symbol of strength, who fans across the world care deeply about. We are carefully monitoring Bevo's condition at this time and will update the public as we find out more about his condition. The safety and well being of Bevo XIV is always our primary concern and therefore he will not be attending the game on Saturday," Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association told TexasSports.com.
Bevo XIV has a long history at the University of Texas. It has appeared in two National Championship games and was at George W. Bush’s inauguration in January 2005.
According to TexasSports.com Bevo XIV helped raise more than $250,000 in the last two years to The University of Texas at Austin’s Neighborhood Longhorns program, the primary charity of the Silver Spurs
Texas is 1-4 this season under second-year coach Charlie Strong, the Longhorns’ worst start since 1956.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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