I've watched this nonsense for some time now when it came to renaming teams with a reference to the Native American. As a Chicago Blackhawks fan, I had dog in the fight. Sunday, President Donald Trump weighed in with his big stick. Perhaps he can cause those who felt they were being pushed to making a name change, to wise up.
"President Trump implored owners of the NFL's Washington Commanders and MLB's Cleveland Guardians to revert to the organizations' old nicknames in a social media post.
Daniel Snyder changed Washington's team name from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team before the start of the 2020 season amid a summer of racial tensions. The team eventually became the Washington Commanders, and Snyder sold the team to Josh Harris.
In July 2021, team owner Paul Dolan announced the Cleveland Indians would become the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland had been known as the Indians since 1915. Dolan previously said the decision to explore the name change came from "an awakening or epiphany" after the death of George Floyd".
All of these excuses are bunk. How can you take a proud nickname of a professional sports team and treat it otherwise? Both the Redskins and Indians were such. They represented the Redskins and Indians with class. Their city deserved better. Their fans deserved better. And so did their sport.
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| The Redskin logo designed by a Native American |
As a Blackhawks supporter I had some real uneasy moments when this nonsense hit fever pitch. Despite the uproar, Chicago management remained staunch. They didn't cave to change their nickname and the support they got from the Blackhawks nation was overwhelming.
"Regardless, the push to keep the Native American team names has been strong, particularly with the Commanders' organization. Trump already expressed his belief that the Commanders made a mistake when they changed the name from the Redskins. The Washington 'Whatevers' should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this, wrote Ttump on Truth Social on Sunday. Likewise, so are the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a stored past". The Redskins logo was inspired by Blackfeet Chief John Two Guns White Calf.
I would only hope with Trump jumping into the fray that some strong consideration to change comes. It's time to take back the names of a couple of proud sports franchises. Actually, it's way past time because it never should have happened. Trump might have an upper hand in this matter. He has said he might not support a new stadium being built if a name change doesn't occur. The new stadium deal involves federal land, though Congress transferred control to the city in January. However, Congress retains control over the District of Columbia's budget.
It doesn't make any difference if you're a fan of Donald Trump to agree with what he's suggesting. It's simply Common Sense.
"Our great Indian people, in massive numbers want to this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!"
Washington officials remain a hard sell on changing the nickname back. Cleveland remains mum.
We'll see who blinks.
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