The Redskins - One Step Closer To A New Name?

Earlier today, the Washington Redskins were stripped of their trademark registrations for their team name. This comes after an extended pissing contest between name-change advocates and the team's owner, Dan Snyder. When this issue surfaced in the past, Snyder vowed that he would never change the team name. However, with this latest strong-arm tactic by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, he might not have much of a choice.

This recent ruling is the result of a petition filed by five American Indians including Amanda Blackhorse, a Navajo activist. In Blackhorse vs, Pro-Football, Inc (the Washington Redskins legal name), the request was made to remove federal trademark protection from the Redskins on the grounds that the name is disparaging to American Indians. Today, a 2-1 ruling was delivered in favor of removing the trademark.

So, what does this now mean for Dan Snyder and his controversial team name? At the very least, it will create even more pressure for him to change the name. Advocates of the name change will certainly get a boost from today's ruling. And without the trademark protection, it will now be possible for anyone to use the team name and/or mascot without official permission or approval from the team.

But politics aside, is this really such a bad thing for Snyder? Think about it...Actually now, he's in a pretty good position. Although he previously vowed to never change the name, he can now legitimately claim that the government is forcing his hand and that he really has no choice. A change in team name and mascot will inevitably result in a dramatic increase in merchandise sales. As a result, Snyder can appease the race hustlers while saving face with the traditionalists. And as an added bonus, he will line his pockets with even more money. Cha-ching! Yeah, I think we see where this one is going.....

A bit of related trivia....The Redskins originated as the Boston Braves in 1932. When the team moved to Boston's Fenway Park the following year, the name was changed to the Redskins. In 1937, the Redskins moved to Washington.

Switching back to today's Board decision, I found it a bit odd that it was based a 2-1 vote. Two people can change 80 years of tradition by one simple vote? Why didn't they just flip a coin?

Aside from all of this, isn't it ironic that a person named Blackhorse is filing a claim against the Redskins for having a racially offensive name? I'll bet horses all over the world find her name highly offensive!

This latest story comes on the heels of infamous LA Clippers owner, Donald Sterling being stripped of his team due to racial remarks he made to his girlfriend. Whether through a private conversation or 80 years of tradition, anything that is deemed racist can have serious consequences for a sports team owner.

I'm not even a fan of the Washington Redskins, but I think this whole thing is a bunch of bullshit. The Redskins have been in existence since 1932 and now, all of a sudden, the name is offensive? Give me a break. What's next? Can we expect the Vatican to file a petition against the Saints?

While there are legitimate race issues worth fighting for, I don't think the Washington Redskins name is one of them. I see this as just another shakedown in the name of political correctness.....

kw