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 rivalry game Saturday against No. 10 Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl.
The Silver Spurs organization that takes care of the mascot did not detail Bevo's illness Wednesday and said his condition was still being explored by veterinarians.
Bevo XIV has been the school mascot since 2004. The steer weighs 2,100 pounds and has a horn span of 82 inches.
Texas is 1-4 under second-year coach Charlie Strong, the Longhorns' worst start since 1956.
"Bevo is a fighter, a symbol of strength, who fans across the world care deeply about," Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, said in a statement. "The safety and well being of Bevo XIV is always our primary concern and therefore he will not be attending the game on Saturday."
UT Longhorns passes along some facts about Bevo XIV:
- He's a National Grand Champion Show Steer.
- Weighs 2,100 pounds and has a horn span of 82 inches tip to tip.
- 2015 is the 12th season of Texas Football for Bevo XIV.
- Of the first 26 Texas Football games in which Bevo XIV appeared, the team won 25.
- Bevo XIV has a record of 106-41 during his reign as Bevo.
- He has a bowl game record of 7-3.
- He has appeared in two National Championship games as well as the Rose Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, Alamo Bowl, Holiday Bowl and the Texas Bowl.
- He appeared at President George W. Bush's inauguration in January 2005.
Video: Bevo: History of a Steer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoGLGmbb80Y