Redskins Name Change?

(Washington Post Picture)

   The name Washington Redskins have longed been in controversy. Those who may not understand how the name is derogatory the simplified version is this. Redskins was used in a derogatory manner long before the NFL team to classify Native American tribes. Basically the protesters of the name believe calling a team Redskins is similar to the idea of red necks. Once you dig into the name it becomes interesting

   The old owner of the Redskins, George Marshall was viewed as a racist and was the last one to sign a black player and that was only after the supreme court forced him to. Him being a racist could be challenged that he wasn't a racist but a savvy business man. Worried about harming the business and losing support he rejected the idea of a black player. Important note the Redskins were the southern most team in that time (1960). In a time when fan support was mostly white he feared the lost of a fan base. He wasn't going to gain any fans from the black community due to the strong belief he was a racist and only signed a black because he was forced to. Some claim that it was at this time the idea Redskins was being used as a derogatory term at that point. Personally I doubt this.

   The name is to honor Native American is BS. The Origin of the name is as follows. They used to be called the Washington Braves. Reason they changed the name was to avoid confusion with the Braves in baseball. They chose to be called the Braves for name recognition. Later after the NFL Braves gained a following they switched names. Why the Redskins? Simple he decided the MLB Red Socks were bigger name plus  they were in Boston so Red would be part of the name and skins because it sounded best. He then being a savvy business man claimed it was to honor the Coach:a Native American and a few of the players. Just to further this claim and to increase the fan base he put a Cigar shop near his office that was completed by having Native Americans run it. Basically it was a mash up of Braves and Redsoxs.

   The name know for its politically incorrect stance has gained supporters to change it. In a personal view why not the Washington Braves? You could keep the logo and no one complains about the NHL Chicago Blackhawks so in theory naming it after a tribe may work. Although in reality it will never work out because people will find something wrong with this as well.