Texas Longhorns mascot BEVO XIV retiring after cancer diagnosis

BEVO XIV, the beloved bovine mascot out of Texas Longhorns, is retiring for health reasons. 

Sad news out of Austin as the University of Texas announced its mascot BEVO XIV has been diagnosed with Bovine Leukemia Virus.

BVL can cause enlargement of lymph nodes and can also affect the digestive tract, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. There is no known treatment for BVL. BEVO XIV is symptomatic and suffering because of this illness. He did not make the trip to Oklahoma.

BEVO XIV’s given name is Sunrise Studly and was a beloved member of the Texas Longhorns community and was a fixture on the sidelines. In the wake of his diagnosis, there was an outpouring of support with fans expressing condolences and recalling memories dating back to his first year as the team’s mascot. BEVO XIV has been on the sidelines since 2004 and was present for three BCS bowl wins. He also attended George W. Bush’s second inauguration in 2005.

A longhorn bearing the name BEVO has been the team’s mascot dating back to 1916. Some mascots have been more spirited than others. BEVO II once charged an SMU cheerleader. BEVO III terrorized the Texas campus for several days. BEVO IV was reported to have attacked a parked car, while BEVO V terrified the Baylor band. Subsequent BEVOs were better behaved.

In recent years, some fans have proposed fitting the BEVO mascot with neuticles, or prosthetic testicular implants, to make his presence even more menacing. That particular suggestion was never implemented.

The search is now on for a new mascot, who will be called BEVO XV.