Billboard that taunted Gators fans removed

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GAINESVILLE, Fla., Sept. 4 (UPI) -- A billboard in Gainesville, Fla., taunting University of Florida football fans on behalf of Texas A&M was removed Tuesday, Clear Channel Communications said.

Jim Cullinan, head of communications for Clear Channel, told The Gainesville Sun the sign was removed at the request of Texas A&M University, which said it didn't authorize the message and claimed its backers -- who had not been identified -- had violated the school's trademark by using its colors and the name "Aggies."

"To protect any trademark we'll take it down, and if they resolve it, we're happy to put it back up," Cullinan told the newspaper.

The sign was erected as Texas A&M prepared to host the Gators in its first game as a member of Southeastern Conference.

The message announced that Gainesville has been "annexed by the Aggie Nation," adding, "The Best Academics & Cleanest Program in the SEC. WHOOP!"

Jason Cook, Texas A&M vice president for marketing and communications, told the Sun the school had some "strong leads" about the identity of the billboard's backers, but wouldn't comment on whether fans of a rival school were under suspicion.