Cashing In on the Lottery, Iowa Style

The NCAA goes to great steps to warn its "student-athletes" about the dangers and problems of gambling (our view is that gambling is not a problem, unless, of course, you lose). But it appears the NCAA has a different set of rules for at least two of its member institutions.

Check out the Iowa Lottery commercial that features a Victory motorcycle adorned in Cyclone colors. "The paint design includes the Iowa State Cyclone logo; an image of Cy, Iowa State's mascot; vintage Iowa State University Cyclone logos; and the Iowa State University seal," the Iowa Lottery site says.

How about that, a university and its athletic department in bed with the lottery! Iowa State is not alone. Rival Iowa has also been enjoying the fruits of its cozy relationship with the lottery. Here is ad sent to us by Gary of Steroid Nation.
According to the Iowa Lottery site, the Hawkeye Dodge Caliber SXT "is accessorized to meet the needs of even the most ardent Hawkeye fan." Included on this beauty are the Hawkeye Tiger Hawk and a custom grill featuring the registered trademark. "The interior has extras like a Hawkeye blanket to help out during cold football games and a special Hawkeye logo cup for your favorite beverage," according to the lottery site.

Iowa even went as far to allow the use of the "Iowa Fight Song" in lottery ads. That campaign continued for several months until a cease-and-desist e-mail arrived to lottery and university officials from Beverly Hills lawyer Tom Camp, who represents Meredith Willson Music and Rosemary Willson, the widow of Meredith Willson, author of the "Iowa Fight Song."

The University of Iowa Presidential Committee on Athletics is now reviewing the arrangement and is expected to cut ties with the lottery next month.