NBC’s Bob Costas: Washington Redskins’ Name an ‘Insult,’ and a ‘Slur’
NBC Sports broadcaster Bob Costas took a moment on Sunday night to examine the controversy surrounding the name of the NFL’s Washington Redskins. Costas called the team’s name a “slur” and an “insult” to Native Americans. He added that, while offense is not intended, offense can be taken from the team’s name.
“There’s no reason to believe that owner Dan Snyder, or any official or player from his team, harbors animus toward Native Americans or wishes to disrespect them,” Costas began. He said that this was true of the team’s fans that do not associate the Redskin’s name with an anti-Native American slur.
Indeed, this was also true, Costas said, of the target of the slur. “Even a majority of Native Americans say they are not offended,” Costas observed.
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Costas said that a number of team names that link back to Native American heritage – the Atlanta Braves, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Golden State Warriors – are not offensive. Furthermore, teams directly named after Native American tribes “can still be okay, provided the symbols are appropriately respectful.”
“But think for a moment about the term Redskins,” Costas continued. “Ask yourself what the equivalent would be if directed toward African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, or members of any other ethnic group? When considered that way, Redskins cannot possibly honor a heritage or a noble character trait.”
“Nor, can it possibly be considered a neutral term,” Costas concluded. “It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent.
Watch the clip below via NBC:
h/t The Blaze
[Photo via screen grab ]
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