One of the biggest controversies in sports history has nothing to do with a player or coach–it revolves around a teams name. Here’s Samuel Johnson’s plea to Washington Redskins owner, Dan Snyder.
Courtesy Sports on Earth
The bitter controversy surrounding the name “Washington Redskins” really became personal for me when I exchanged a series of emails with one of its most ardent defenders.
A team spokesman named Dan Quigley issued a press release claiming that the name is a tribute to Native Americans, and not a racial slur. I spoke up for the other side.
After we went back and forth with each other, presenting arguments for and against the nickname, we finally agreed to disagree and called it quits.
Then I decided to relieve my frustration by posting the following not-so-serious commentary, Come On, Dan! (an Open Letter to Dan Snyder.) I don’t know whether Mr. Snyder, the teams owner, will ever read my letter–but I truly hope he does.
Come on, Dan! You know that the complaints are still pouring in. Complaints about your National Football League team’s nickname, the Redskins. Complaints claiming that the name is hostile and abusive, offending many Native Americans.
Several colleges voluntarily changed their team nicknames, and despite the expense, they switched their team uniforms, sports gear, letterheads, printed publications and web sites.
The Miami University (Ohio) Redskins changed to the RedHawks in 1997, and the St. John’s University Redmen are now the Red Storm. Stanford University changed from the Indians to the Cardinal in 1972. The University of Illinois has retired the buckskin-clad mascot, Chief Illiniwek after more than 80 years.
Courtesy Voice of America Blogs
Dan Snyder, you as the Washington team’s owner refuse to consider changing the nickname and images, whether they are insulting or not. The headdress-wearing marching band still plays a raucous “Hail to the Redskins” after every home field touchdown.
Have the other teams used up all of the good names?
We already have Wildcats, Tigers, and Lions; Bears, Bruins and Grizzlies; Eagles, Falcons, and Orioles; Raiders and Buccaneers, Colts and Mustangs, Longhorns and Mavericks, Yellow Jackets and Hornets, Dolphins and Marlins, the Hurricanes and the Avalanche; the Heat and the Suns, The Blue Hens and the Terrapins, and even the University of California, Santa Cruz team, the Fighting Banana Slugs!
There must be a few good team names left, right? Come on, Dan!
Mr. Dan, An owner should be tired of losing year after year. Every owner in our division has improved in drafting except you. You want to sign older players who may be good, but you need younger back-ups. Name changing is nothing to me. I want to see some winning instead of losing. The fans have made you rich, but they see no results in winning. I’ve been watching football since I was 6 years old. Sir, I want some winning.
Logically thinking, I, too agree that the name should be changed from the “Washington Redskins”. Growing up in NE Washington,
DC and loving this football team makes it difficult for me to give up cheering for the “Redskins”. Oh well, the team has not won a championship game in years now. Life is constant change. Therefore, we must learn to adapt to change. AGREED – “Come On, Dan!”
Dear Dan Snyder: I have been a loyal fan since I was 13 years old. I have requests for the draft and free agency. Pick D.K Metcalf in the second round. Deionte Thompson is one of the free agents to get and Ziggy Ansah, Damayrius Thomas, Eli Harold, and Justin Hunter are the others. Also please re-sign Zach Brown. There is also a letter coming your way. A true fan, Michael Furnas-Campbell