The Stanford Cardinal Tree. Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford Tree mascot learns punishment for unveiling banner at football game

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 10/31/22

The Stanford Tree mascot is undergoing a change in leadership.

Heyo, previous Tree (#43) here. Some of y’all have been asking, so I’ll clarify that @lsjumb leadership reached this decision as per established Band policy. But don’t worry, I’ll be coming out of retirement until #44 returns in the winter ☮️
-43.
— Stanford Tree (@DaStanfordTree) October 31, 2022

According to a report from ESPN's Kyle Bonagura, the student who serves as the mascot revealed the banner during Stanford's game against Arizona State on Oct. 22. Bonagura wrote that a Stanford athletic department spokesperson confirmed the move.

"The students comprising the executive committee of the LSJUMB have suspended the Tree mascot due to a violation of the band's policies and processes," the statement read.

The banner was revealed with assistance from the Arizona State Sun Devils mascot during halftime of the contest and according to Stanford's school newspaper (the Stanford Daily), came in response to the view among students that the school is suppressing "social opportunities" on campus.

The Stanford Cardinals are 3-5 this season under head coach David Shaw. They will host Washington State on Saturday.

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