Stanford's beloved tree mascot suspended for antics taking place during Arizona State game

Just when we thought this Stanford season couldn't get anymore chaotic

In what has been a very disappointing season for Stanford's football team, there is now a very unique controversy surrounding the program.

It has absolutely nothing to do with the players or coaches who are currently licking their wounds after a blowout loss to UCLA, but instead focuses on the Stanford Tree mascot. The person who performs as the iconic Stanford Tree held up a banner during halftime of the matchup against Arizona State a couple weeks ago that read “Stanford Hates Fun”. A move that has reportedly gotten the 44th edition of the tree suspended by his peer students who comprise the executive committee of the LSJUMB.  He (the person in the tree) has not been suspended from school.

#ASU up 14-6 at the half. Looks like the @lsjumb and @DaStanfordTree are making some sort of statement at halftime here with their “Stanford Hates Fun” banner. At least that appears to be what they’re doing. #Stanford #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/zImkrsfmzA

— Ben Parker (@slamdunk406) October 22, 2022

Stanford has decided to suspend the Tree for walking out onto the field last game with a sign reading 'Stanford Hates Fun'. Tree socials will be inactive for the next few months. See y'all soon. 🌲.

— Stanford Tree 🌲 (@DaStanfordTree) October 31, 2022

Stanford's two remaining home games will not be without a mascot however, as a tweet within this thread reveals that tree No. 43 will be coming out of retirement to don the tree again.

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

The reason for the protest as explained by The Stanford Daily  is in regards to the university's "war on fun" when it comes to student life.