Is Rao Rodney?

A man in a suit and tie standing to the right of a ram mascot costume. — VCU President Michael Rao (pictured right; but also possibly pictured left if he is indeed Rodney the Ram).

April 1, 2023

Is Rao Rodney?

“60 Seconds” team investigates theory that Rodney the Ram and VCU President Michael Rao are one and the same.

For years, there have been rumors. Who is the person behind Rodney the Ram, the fuzzy but formidable mascot of Virginia Commonwealth University loved by fans and feared by opposing teams? When someone pointed out on Reddit several years ago that VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., never seemed to be around at the same time as Rodney — whether at games or campus events — others quickly chimed in that they, too, had noticed a pattern. Could Rao actually be Rodney?

A person in a ram costume walking out of a front door. — A video still from footage provided by the VCU Conspiracy Club showing Rodney leaving the Office of the President. (Courtesy of VCU Conspiracy Club.)

Until recently, those questions were mere speculation, mostly on social media. But when a new student organization called the VCU Conspiracy Club presented grainy video evidence they say is undeniable, an investigative team from “60 Seconds” decided to take a closer look. The footage shows Dr. Rao entering his office and, several minutes later, Rodney leaving the building.

The “60 Seconds” crew believed there was enough to the clips to warrant further investigation. They staked out in front of the president’s office on West Franklin Street for several days, but with little success. They also managed to convince Rodney to do an interview on camera, during which he neither denied nor confirmed the allegations that he was Dr. Rao.

Meanwhile, word about this highly unusual investigation got around.

“You know, I interact with President Rao on a daily basis, and I’ve always wondered,” said Pam Lepley, senior adviser to the president. “I’ve noticed an awful lot of white fuzz on his suits. At first, I assumed he had a cat, but just the other day I was thinking that it’s a strange texture – almost wooly.”

A woman holding a photo of a person in a ram costume and a portrait of a man. Behind her is a board with photos and string linking the pictures together. — The VCU Conspiracy Club has been gathering evidence for months to establish a connection between Rodney and President Rao. (Courtesy of VCU Conspiracy Club.)

Even those beyond the VCU community have become suspicious.

“When we have breaks during a game, Rodney’s always going on and on about VCU’s mission,” said Webster, University of Richmond’s eight-legged mascot. “The other day he was talking my ear off about the strategic plan. If these rumors are true, let’s just say that would explain a lot.”

While they wouldn’t reveal everything they’ve uncovered to VCU News, the “60 Seconds” team’s findings are being released in several episodes, the first of which is now available.

Is there something behind the Raodney conspiracy? The VCU community is invited to watch episode one and decide for themselves.