NFL’s Washington Redskins Franchise Name Vote

Image Courtesy of the AP

Update: 6/18/14

The US Patent office has officially removed the trademark protection previously held by the Redskins on the grounds that it is disparaging to Native Americans.

From the 2-1 ruling the following was released. 

“Petitioners have found a preponderance of evidence that a substantial amount of Native Americans found the term Redskins to be disparaging when used in connection with professional football,” the ruling said. “While this may reveal differing opinions with the community, it does not negate the opinions of those who find it disparaging.”

Original Piece: The Washington Redskins continue to come under fire and for once it has nothing to do with personnel moves or play on the field. The team name is coming under fire due to its offensive nature. It is fairly obvious to anyone that the team name, Redskins, could be considered a derogatory slur to Native Americans. Ten members of Congress have urged Dan Snyder and the Redskins to change their name. These same members have sent letters to all of the owners of the 31 other NFL teams as well as FedEx, the Redskins sponsor.

The team name has been part of a long standing legal battle from individuals looking to eliminate the trademark protection. Dan Snyder, the owner of the Redskins, has gone on the record that he will never change the name. The question is whether the NFL and its owners will apply pressure to Snyder to change the name and preserve the perception of the league.

Now whether you are in the camp that believes it is just a name historic to the franchise or you are a person that believes it is a slur and carries a negative connotation I am not going to try and convince you either way. To me it is fairly easy to see but I am not here to sway your personal opinion.  Instead I wondered what other names would be fitting of the franchise. Below is a list of some possible names for the organization if a name change occurs.

Washington Heroes –

A bit corny? Sure but when you have a team that represents our nation’s capital and all the great individuals in our nation’s history why not pay tribute to them. What better way than to call them heroes.

Washington United –

What better way to show respect after changing a historically derogatory name than to trademark the new name with the opposite approach? Sure there is already a DC United but that is nothing Dan Snyder can’t resolve.

DC Destroyers –

Edgy and effective. A new era of football in the nation’s capital could be personified by a team out to destroy the rest of the league and return glory to the organization in need of it.

DC Aggressors –

What better way to pay homage to the offense that will be managed under the new franchise quarterback, RGIII,  than to name the team after the style of offense I can see this organization playing  for the next five to seven years.

DC Power –

In our nation’s government all of the power players in politics from elected officials to lobbyists all have a presence in Washington. Why not use that to leverage the teams new name. A strong name to go along with the strong and sometimes misguided will of the teams owner.

Above are a few team names that could usher in the new generation of Washington football. Are there any that you would vote for? Any others that you might deem fitting for the football team from our nation’s capital? Sounds off and let’s see what all of you come up with.

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