The comment, " These names were not assigned to belittle anyone. They were assigned to honor or recognize these groups. don't be so sensitive " reminded me that we as a nation have NOT honor our poor white brothers and sisters. Time for us to honor them by attaching sports teams with names like Crackers, Okies, and Hillbillies for example. To honor them, you know. Or some good-old east coast terms like Micks, Dagos or Wops, or other derogatory terms used by "whites" to undercut new communities that dared take part of the established "white folks" piece of the pie. Just think of the great logos we'll see, all to "honor" them. Or was there a reason that those terms were requested by the very communities involved to NOT be used..... ?..Geez.....Don't be so sensitive !
dan - 4 years ago
yes, they should change them and should have long ago. If the NFL had just shown some respect five years ago to the likes of Kap we wouldn't be having all these problems right now. The man in the White House doesn't understand this. Show respect and you don't make people angry.
steelehere83 - 4 years ago
Cleveland Spiders is a former name of the Cleveland Indians pre-1900. Changing back to the Spiders makes sense as it's the best option of the former names for their franchise..
Washington Red Tails seems to be the name of choice to replace the Washington Redskins.
gord roberts - 4 years ago
These names were not assigned to belittle anyone. They were assigned to honor or recognize these groups. don't be so sensitive .
James Grogan - 4 years ago
Football is a sport. A competition. Names are and always have been selected to give players and fans alike a handle that would let them show their support and respect. Not a single name was picked to be a sign of disrespect or of a derogatory nature. Quite the contrary. So I fail to see why Native Americans would be so upset that these teams are named, in a manner of respect, after them.
Harry Freiberg - 4 years ago
Reply to Ronald Hall Hall re LA/SD/LA Chargers name:
The LA (AFL) Chargers were started by Barron Hilton (son of Conrad Hilton, Hilton hotel chain...) who did indeed name the Chargers Chargers after the bugle call at USC and Dodger games. It, perhaps, should also be noted that Barron Hilton was one of the founders of the Carte Blanche credit card, which he sold to Citibank in 1965. "Charge it" evolves to "Charger"?
Harry Freiberg - 4 years ago
Re Cleveland: The Cleveland Eries (in honor of the lake...)
Re Washington: The Washington DCs (at least until D.C. gets statehood, or the equivalent...)
Phil Swan - 4 years ago
Regarding Cleveland, how about the Buckeyes? That was the name of Cleveland's Negro League team. What a great way to honor that history. We all know, however, that won't happen because the Buckeye is Ohio State University's mascot.
Richard Marquez - 4 years ago
Indians and Redskins? Outdated and Stanford dropped Indians and life went on! They are and were derogatory terms...change is good...grow up people
Ronald Hall Hall - 4 years ago
Keep the "Indians" - get rid of the "Redskins". I really don't think too much about team mascots or logos. I am sure some fans could be offended by anything. I believe in political correctness as much as the next person - but If one wants to really offend me, just call me a COWBOY (especially the Dallas variety). As long as we are on this subject, did anyone really understand how the L.A./San Diego/L.A. Chargers determined their mascot/logo. It wasn't the named after lightning bolts (how many lightning storms do we have in SoCal?) - I believe it originated from the L.A. Dodgers. During the 1959 season (the first L.A. Dodgers World Series champion), some fans brought a trumpet to the ballgames and played the "CHARGE"(we all know what the "CHARGE" is) to encourage the fans to get involved. This was long before every stadium in America commercialized it. Particularly when Maury Wills (base stealing great) was on first base and the fans encouraged him to steal second base. One would hear the "CHARGES" throughout the games, particularly during that pennant race. The following year 1960, the AFL awarded a franchise to L.A. and I believe the team wanted to capitalize off the popularity of the L.A. Dodger success, so they climbed aboard the "CHARGE!" band wagon. That is my version and I am stuck with it!!
Bob Boehringer - 4 years ago
I read recently, that when this subject came up about 4 years ago, American Indians were asked if they felt that these names were a racist slur against them. A survey was taken and the results were that 85% of them said no. It's time to stand up to these radicals and say enough is enough. If we are so bad, why are there thousands, maybe millions, of people around the world seeking entry into the United Stares. It's time to tell these complaining people that they have feet. If they feel the way they do, use them,
Bill Hessell - 4 years ago
In my view, they both should change their names, as well as other sport teams that have assumed names of human groups that don't represent their own background and don't have the approval of still existing people that their names do represent. Seminoles, Braves, and other teams with similar names should also respectfully consider name changes.
Sean Kavanaugh - 4 years ago
The Cleveland Indians used to be called the Naps, after their second basemen and HOF Nap Lajoie. When he left the team. Cleveland wanted to re-name their team. They decided to HONOR another former player named Louis Sockalexis. Louis played for the Cleveland Spiders, an old National League team. He is believed to be the first Native American professional baseball player. They named their team to HONOR someone. I would hardly call that racist, but today’s PC crowd doesn’t even know or understand history. They just react.
Michael Reese - 4 years ago
I think there's an easy resolution to this debate...just ask our Native Americans what they think. You'll likely get diverse opinions, but generally speaking...if it's offensive to them, then get rid of the names. White Americans simply don't get a vote.
Bobby K - 4 years ago
I admit to being a huge fan of the Indians AND Chief Wahoo, but realize now that the Chief Wahoo cartoonish character slurs native Americans. I sure hope they don't change the name whereas the Redskins needs to go. Remember the Baltimore (now Washington) Bullets? Easy to change a name, but hopefully the TRIBE stays.
Richard Terrill - 4 years ago
The word Redskins was a product of Indians, and term they used for other Indians. The so called disrespect is due to media reaction and not Indian reaction. Look at the black Americans, a lot of them call other blacks niggers and it is not offensive to them. It is if white use it though. Let the teams keep their names
Jerry Schoenburg - 4 years ago
The names of many sports teams are related to American Indians. The Chicago Black Hawks, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians. Cleveland used to have a big smiling red faced Indian on their uniforms. but I believe they are gone. These are names to that celebrate the Bravery and fierce fighters that were American Indians.
When watching an Atlanta Braves games and listening to the war drums pounding when there is a rally is exciting and complementary, not denigrating Indians.
The only Indian name that offensive is the Redskins, and that should go.
What do our Indian Tribes think? I think they should make the decision.
Gary Franz - 4 years ago
Are the people that are calling for name change even going to be part of the Fanbase for either of the teams in question maybe the owners need to get commitments from these people to see if they’re going to support the team or are they just trying to get things done their way ...The owner should check with their true fan base to see if they really want a name change I personally believe that it’s just outsiders who have no ties whatsoever to either team
Bob Myers - 4 years ago
JUST ASK THE INDIANS!!
When this subject came up several years ago the Indians were asked if these team nicknames were offensive toward them and they responded “NO!!” They are clearly the ones who should determine whether these rich in history nicknames should remain!
Jeff Standart - 4 years ago
Leave the names as they are, they have been a part of history. If you insist on changing those names then change the NAACP and all the other anti-white reverse racist names!!!! Also tear down all the statues like Martin Luther King and all the other racist statues!
Roberto Ortiz - 4 years ago
Para tener una opción a decidir claramente el porqué se debe cambiar el nombre a estas franquicias deberían de buscar la razón de porqué las seleccionaron, seria mas que interesante y educatuvo.
Max Henry - 4 years ago
Redskins is clearly disgusting. “Indians”, “Blackhawks”, and “Aztecs” (San Diego State) are tributes. The Indians got rid of Chief Wahoo, that was enough.
Thomas Bluem - 4 years ago
I have been a fan of the Cleveland Indians for 65 Years. I totally agree that the Chief Wahoo Mascot was offensive and needed to go. I believe the Redskins name is offensive and needs to go.
I understand that the name Indians is basically a misidentification of a group, but is not intended. to be a slur.
I'm a Cleveland Indians Fan. I will no longer follow them if they change their name.
While we're at it let's change the name of the UMass Minutemen, as it right offend those of limited sexual staying power.
John E Turner - 4 years ago
People have let the left push the white guilt thing way to far. They couldn't care less about whether you are or are not "offended" socially or otherwise. It is all about the left destroying our American culture and gaining control over every aspect of your life. Socialists want THAT. That is there goal. Right now they have every white, in particular white men feeling as though we abused every person of color in our history. So no, owners should not fall to the illegal, unethical and abusive bullying of the left. Having said that, if the owner of the Redskins or the Braves wants to change his clubs name he has that right. What is coming next: the left will demand the Angels kill off their name because it directly refers to another portion of our culture: God.
Edward Lewis - 4 years ago
Having grown up as a baseball and NFL fan for more then 70 years I never gave the nicknames a second thought. Now however, being aware of the sensitivities many people have in this regard I t,hink it appropriate to change to names that will be less offensive. Unfortunately I doubt it possible to settle upon names to which someone(s) will take umbrage.
The comment, " These names were not assigned to belittle anyone. They were assigned to honor or recognize these groups. don't be so sensitive " reminded me that we as a nation have NOT honor our poor white brothers and sisters. Time for us to honor them by attaching sports teams with names like Crackers, Okies, and Hillbillies for example. To honor them, you know. Or some good-old east coast terms like Micks, Dagos or Wops, or other derogatory terms used by "whites" to undercut new communities that dared take part of the established "white folks" piece of the pie. Just think of the great logos we'll see, all to "honor" them. Or was there a reason that those terms were requested by the very communities involved to NOT be used..... ?..Geez.....Don't be so sensitive !
yes, they should change them and should have long ago. If the NFL had just shown some respect five years ago to the likes of Kap we wouldn't be having all these problems right now. The man in the White House doesn't understand this. Show respect and you don't make people angry.
Cleveland Spiders is a former name of the Cleveland Indians pre-1900. Changing back to the Spiders makes sense as it's the best option of the former names for their franchise..
Washington Red Tails seems to be the name of choice to replace the Washington Redskins.
These names were not assigned to belittle anyone. They were assigned to honor or recognize these groups. don't be so sensitive .
Football is a sport. A competition. Names are and always have been selected to give players and fans alike a handle that would let them show their support and respect. Not a single name was picked to be a sign of disrespect or of a derogatory nature. Quite the contrary. So I fail to see why Native Americans would be so upset that these teams are named, in a manner of respect, after them.
Reply to Ronald Hall Hall re LA/SD/LA Chargers name:
The LA (AFL) Chargers were started by Barron Hilton (son of Conrad Hilton, Hilton hotel chain...) who did indeed name the Chargers Chargers after the bugle call at USC and Dodger games. It, perhaps, should also be noted that Barron Hilton was one of the founders of the Carte Blanche credit card, which he sold to Citibank in 1965. "Charge it" evolves to "Charger"?
Re Cleveland: The Cleveland Eries (in honor of the lake...)
Re Washington: The Washington DCs (at least until D.C. gets statehood, or the equivalent...)
Regarding Cleveland, how about the Buckeyes? That was the name of Cleveland's Negro League team. What a great way to honor that history. We all know, however, that won't happen because the Buckeye is Ohio State University's mascot.
Indians and Redskins? Outdated and Stanford dropped Indians and life went on! They are and were derogatory terms...change is good...grow up people
Keep the "Indians" - get rid of the "Redskins". I really don't think too much about team mascots or logos. I am sure some fans could be offended by anything. I believe in political correctness as much as the next person - but If one wants to really offend me, just call me a COWBOY (especially the Dallas variety). As long as we are on this subject, did anyone really understand how the L.A./San Diego/L.A. Chargers determined their mascot/logo. It wasn't the named after lightning bolts (how many lightning storms do we have in SoCal?) - I believe it originated from the L.A. Dodgers. During the 1959 season (the first L.A. Dodgers World Series champion), some fans brought a trumpet to the ballgames and played the "CHARGE"(we all know what the "CHARGE" is) to encourage the fans to get involved. This was long before every stadium in America commercialized it. Particularly when Maury Wills (base stealing great) was on first base and the fans encouraged him to steal second base. One would hear the "CHARGES" throughout the games, particularly during that pennant race. The following year 1960, the AFL awarded a franchise to L.A. and I believe the team wanted to capitalize off the popularity of the L.A. Dodger success, so they climbed aboard the "CHARGE!" band wagon. That is my version and I am stuck with it!!
I read recently, that when this subject came up about 4 years ago, American Indians were asked if they felt that these names were a racist slur against them. A survey was taken and the results were that 85% of them said no. It's time to stand up to these radicals and say enough is enough. If we are so bad, why are there thousands, maybe millions, of people around the world seeking entry into the United Stares. It's time to tell these complaining people that they have feet. If they feel the way they do, use them,
In my view, they both should change their names, as well as other sport teams that have assumed names of human groups that don't represent their own background and don't have the approval of still existing people that their names do represent. Seminoles, Braves, and other teams with similar names should also respectfully consider name changes.
The Cleveland Indians used to be called the Naps, after their second basemen and HOF Nap Lajoie. When he left the team. Cleveland wanted to re-name their team. They decided to HONOR another former player named Louis Sockalexis. Louis played for the Cleveland Spiders, an old National League team. He is believed to be the first Native American professional baseball player. They named their team to HONOR someone. I would hardly call that racist, but today’s PC crowd doesn’t even know or understand history. They just react.
I think there's an easy resolution to this debate...just ask our Native Americans what they think. You'll likely get diverse opinions, but generally speaking...if it's offensive to them, then get rid of the names. White Americans simply don't get a vote.
I admit to being a huge fan of the Indians AND Chief Wahoo, but realize now that the Chief Wahoo cartoonish character slurs native Americans. I sure hope they don't change the name whereas the Redskins needs to go. Remember the Baltimore (now Washington) Bullets? Easy to change a name, but hopefully the TRIBE stays.
The word Redskins was a product of Indians, and term they used for other Indians. The so called disrespect is due to media reaction and not Indian reaction. Look at the black Americans, a lot of them call other blacks niggers and it is not offensive to them. It is if white use it though. Let the teams keep their names
The names of many sports teams are related to American Indians. The Chicago Black Hawks, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians. Cleveland used to have a big smiling red faced Indian on their uniforms. but I believe they are gone. These are names to that celebrate the Bravery and fierce fighters that were American Indians.
When watching an Atlanta Braves games and listening to the war drums pounding when there is a rally is exciting and complementary, not denigrating Indians.
The only Indian name that offensive is the Redskins, and that should go.
What do our Indian Tribes think? I think they should make the decision.
Are the people that are calling for name change even going to be part of the Fanbase for either of the teams in question maybe the owners need to get commitments from these people to see if they’re going to support the team or are they just trying to get things done their way ...The owner should check with their true fan base to see if they really want a name change I personally believe that it’s just outsiders who have no ties whatsoever to either team
JUST ASK THE INDIANS!!
When this subject came up several years ago the Indians were asked if these team nicknames were offensive toward them and they responded “NO!!” They are clearly the ones who should determine whether these rich in history nicknames should remain!
Leave the names as they are, they have been a part of history. If you insist on changing those names then change the NAACP and all the other anti-white reverse racist names!!!! Also tear down all the statues like Martin Luther King and all the other racist statues!
Para tener una opción a decidir claramente el porqué se debe cambiar el nombre a estas franquicias deberían de buscar la razón de porqué las seleccionaron, seria mas que interesante y educatuvo.
Redskins is clearly disgusting. “Indians”, “Blackhawks”, and “Aztecs” (San Diego State) are tributes. The Indians got rid of Chief Wahoo, that was enough.
I have been a fan of the Cleveland Indians for 65 Years. I totally agree that the Chief Wahoo Mascot was offensive and needed to go. I believe the Redskins name is offensive and needs to go.
I understand that the name Indians is basically a misidentification of a group, but is not intended. to be a slur.
I'm a Cleveland Indians Fan. I will no longer follow them if they change their name.
While we're at it let's change the name of the UMass Minutemen, as it right offend those of limited sexual staying power.
People have let the left push the white guilt thing way to far. They couldn't care less about whether you are or are not "offended" socially or otherwise. It is all about the left destroying our American culture and gaining control over every aspect of your life. Socialists want THAT. That is there goal. Right now they have every white, in particular white men feeling as though we abused every person of color in our history. So no, owners should not fall to the illegal, unethical and abusive bullying of the left. Having said that, if the owner of the Redskins or the Braves wants to change his clubs name he has that right. What is coming next: the left will demand the Angels kill off their name because it directly refers to another portion of our culture: God.
Having grown up as a baseball and NFL fan for more then 70 years I never gave the nicknames a second thought. Now however, being aware of the sensitivities many people have in this regard I t,hink it appropriate to change to names that will be less offensive. Unfortunately I doubt it possible to settle upon names to which someone(s) will take umbrage.