Mascot Issue (AGAIN)

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

The name "Redskins" means a lot to me, as does the logo. The name and logo symbolize men like Sammy Baugh, Joe Gibbs, Charlie Taylor, John Riggins, et al. I've always thought that the logo was respectful towards Native Americans and simply cool.

Nevertheless, I would still love the team if they changed their name and logo. I don't think a name change would somehow cast off my memories or the team's affiliation with so many great games and great men.

Moreover, I do understand how people would be offended by the name. Surely a lot of people would be upset if a team was called the "Blackskins" and featured a Zulu warrior on the logo. I don't get particularly emotional about the issue because I think the people that attribute racist attitudes towards the logo and name are few in number and do not know much about the team. That said, I'm not Native American.

In any event, it's going to come down to money. If I recall correctly, according to federal law, trademarks that are racially derogatory are not subject to Intellectual Property Protections. If a U.S. Court determines that the "Redskins" name/logo are racially derogatory, the Redskins franchise will lose the exclusive right to license etc. its name/logo. That means that the team would lose a major source of revenue and, perhaps, be forced to re-name the team. However, I could honestly see Dan Snyder keep the name/logo and lose money just because he loves the team so much.