Why The Redskins Should Not Change Their Name

Recently, the Redskins name has received a lot of controversy. It is not a new item, but one that has been discussed for years. However, it seems to have picked up a lot of steam lately and it seems to be the top priority of Nevada Senator Harry Reid.
Why Now?
Why all of a sudden is it an issue?
Why can it be okay for so long, but we need to take a stand now?

There are two main issues here for why it is important now.
1) Harry Reid is looking for low hanging fruit heading into the 2016 elections. He is the senate leader for the democrats and he wants to continue to push the race narrative against Republicans. Reid sees the Redskins name change as low hanging fruit to push that agenda.
2) The need to feel affected. Even though 90% of Native Americans do not consider the name offensive and many Native Americans use the nickname Redskins themselves, there are many people who need to feel affected and offended for Native American people.
Before we get into this though, let's get into the history behind the Redskins name and the Redskins franchise.

George Marshall chose the name "Redskins" to honor his then coach, William "Lone Star" Dietz who happened to be Native American. The team employed a Native American man and tried to honor him. Marshall also had several Native American players on the team at the time that the team took on the new name. They changed it from Braves at the time because so many teams were also named Braves. The name was in no way meant to disrespect a group of people, especially one that was heavily employed by the team.

The earliest citation of the term "Redskin" can be traced back to Meskwaki Chief Black Thunder. He wrote the term in a letter to explorer William Clark. Some of these speeches by Black Thunder can be found here. I will copy and paste the one that is in question.
“My Father—Restrain your feelings, and hear calmly what I shall say. I shall tell it to you
plainly, I shall not speak with fear and trembling. I feel no fear. I have no cause to fear. I have
never injured you, and innocence can feel no fear. I turn to all, red skins and white skins, and
challenge an accusation against me."

Now, I do not find him using the term white skin offensive and he was one of the people who coined the term red skin, so obviously he doesn't find that offensive

Additionally, linguist (a personally who studies language) Ives Goddard has said about the name when it it first appeared in the 1800s, "it came in the most respectful context and at the highest level. These are white people and Indians talking together, with the white people trying to ingratiate themselves."

It came out of respect and was not meant to be disparaging. We do not need to make it disparaging. Language study and the origin of the word show it was not intended to be racial or offensive in any way. I trust Ives Goddard over Harry Reid. Here is more about Goddard's observation.

Now, let's look deeper about the Redskins team history to see if we can find out what these horrible people do to oppress people. 

During the 1987-1988 season, the Redskins had Doug Williams at quarterback. Doug Williams promptly became the 1st black quarterback to win the Super Bowl. Williams remained the only black quarterback to win a Super Bowl until this past season when Russell Wilson won it. Williams recently accepted a position with the Redskins in their front office after the mess at Grambling. Good thing, the Redskins were able to prevent Williams from succeeding because they were so racist. Good thing, they didn't let him blaze a trail and accomplish something never done before. Good thing, he was prevented from realizing his dream and they discriminated him. Those racist bastards.....

(Photo Credit: CBS Sports)

Did you guys happen to see the NFL Network Documentary on Jerry Smith?

Smith was a tight end for the Redskins from 1965-1977 and made two Pro-Bowls. He also happens to be the best known gay football player in NFL history. Smith played for a guy by the name of Vince Lombardi. Lombardi had a gay brother and made it known that gays would be welcome on his team. While none of them came out until after their careers, it is now known that there were 3 gay players who were on that team. Some teammates and Lombardi had to know. However, since the Redskins foster such an environment of hate, it is just a coincidence that 3 of the 7 players in NFL history to come out after their playing careers happened to play for the Redskins coach that was openly supportive. 3 players still embraced by the Washington fans were truly discriminated against by this racist organization.

Look, you can tell and I can tell that this team and organization are not racist. They were not founded on a racist belief and they are not racist today. We can also tell that the majority of Native Americans do not care about the Redskins nickname. However, some politicians and people that need to be affected continue to make it an issue. Some people continue to be offended for others. Some people lead false crusades. Therefore, I say it is really time to stick it to these people.

Really, the issue here is the Native American imagery. If we get rid of that, there is nothing to talk about. Harry Reid will have to talk about the horrible job he is doing and why Cowboy poetry sessions need to be funded by the government. Congressmen on both sides of the aisle will have to focus on more important issues. The people that need to feel affected will feel like morons hopefully. Most importantly though the Redskins will not really be giving in. I also predict that if they do this, they will pass the Cowboys as the most popular franchise. They will certainly gain a new fan in me. 

Mr. Snyder, 

It's time to go potato.

-Noland

NFC East Draft Grades

Dallas Cowboys

1(16) Zack Martin (OT, Notre Dame)

2(34) Demarcus Lawrence (LB, Boise State)

4(119) Anthony Hitchens (LB, Iowa)

5(146) Devin Street (WR, Pittsburgh)

7(231) Ben Gardner (DE, Stanford)

7(238) Will Smith (LB, Texas Tech)

7(248) Ahmad Dixon (DB, Baylor)

7(251) Ken Bishop (DT, Northern Illinois)

7(254) Terrance Mitchell (DB, Oregon)

Best Pick: Zack Martin

This is the biggest no-brainer in the draft about best draft pick. The Cowboys resisted the urge to do something crazy and picked one of the safest guys in the draft. Martin has the Notre Dame school record for starts and may be the only guy in this draft that can play anywhere on the offensive line. He's durable as he never missed a game and started all 52. This guy was also dominant in the Senior Bowl during the entire week. The Cowboys could not have done much better.

Summary: If you take the Martin pick out of it, I hate what the Cowboys did in this draft. Cowboys fans should be furious. When your own front office is questioning whether another team beat you in a draft trade, there is a problem. I do not think Demarcus Lawrence comes close to the value that they traded to get him (Kony Ealy and Trai Turner). In fact, I think that Ealy and Turner will both be better pros than Lawrence. That is likely why the Cowboys questioned their move. The Panthers made a huge move and the Cowboys have to be disappointed in the return. Devin Street was good value in the 5th though. Really the Cowboys got nobody that can make an impact on this team other than Martin. Lawrence or Street could be decent role players, but in the deepest draft in my lifetime they got to get more. Especially a team like the Cowboys who are in such horrible salary cap position. I bump them up slightly for passing on Manziel and getting quality, but this was not a good draft for Dallas. It would surely have been an F if Dallas had got their wish and Ryan Shazier been available. Martin has a better pro career in his future than Shazier.

Grade: D

Undrafted Free Agents
Josh Aladenoye (OL, Illinois State)
Chris Boyd (WR, Vanderbilt)
Brian Clarke (OG, Bloomsburg)
JC Copeland (FB, LSU)
Andre Cureton (Cincinnati)
Casey Kreiter (LS, Iowa)
Cody Mandell (P, Alabama)
Glasco Martin (RB, Baylor)
Ben Malena (RB, Texas A&M)
Jordan Najvar (TE, Baylor)
Ronald Patrick (OG, South Carolina)
Jarrod Pughsley (OL, Akron)
Marvin Robinson (S, Ferris State)
Dontavis Sapp (LB, Tennessee)
Jocquel Skinner (DB, Bethel)
Keith Smith (LB, San Jose State)
Ryan Smith (S, Auburn)
Dustin Vaughan (QB, West Texas A&M)
L'Damian Washington (WR, Missouri)
Evan Wilson (TE, Illinois)
Joe Windsor (DE, Northern Illinois)

I like the Washington signing. He is better than the majority of players the Cowboys actually drafted. This guy is quality and adds depth to a weak WR crop that exists in Dallas. Dez Bryant is quite good, but I don't really like what else Dallas has. Ronald Patrick and Andre Cureton are good depth moves for the offensive line as well. I don't see any other players making the roster, but the Cowboys could really use it if they did.

New York Giants

1(12) Odell Beckham (WR, LSU)

2(43) Weston Richburg (C, Colorado State)

3(74) Jay Bromley (DT, Syracuse)

4(113) Andre Williams (RB, Boston College)

5(152) Nat Berhe (DB, San Diego State)

5(174) Devon Kennard (LB, USC)

6(187) Bennett Jackson (DB, Notre Dame)

Best Pick: Odell Beckham

Eli has to be thrilled with this pick. They get the best route runner in the draft and a guy that has sure hands. There were 4 wide receivers in this draft who I thought had all-pro potential and Beckham was one of them. He's not as big as Benjamin or Evans and not as fast as Watkins, but a better route runner than all and as good with his hands. All 4 will be studs and the Giants have got to be thrilled to have one.

Summary: The Giants had a very solid draft. This draft had a lot of quality picks and players who can contribute. Andre Williams is a workhorse back that they got in the 4th round. Richburg, Bromley, and Berhe all fell to provide great value. This was one of the better drafts and just below the top group. Great job by the Giants. They got a top 10 draft on their hands.

Grade: A-

Undrafted Free Agents
Justin Anderson (LB, Kansas State)
CJ Barnett (S, Ohio State)
Emmanuel Dieke (DE, Georgia Tech)
Dan Fox (LB, Notre Dame)
Thomas Gordon (S, Michigan)
Xavier Grimble (TE, Southern California)
Eathyn Manumaleuna (DT, BYU)
Kelcy Quarles (DT, South Carolina)
Kerry Wynn (DE, Richmond)

I like the Quarles signing as he was very underrated on that South Carolina front. He's great at getting into the opponents backfield. He needs to get better at making plays behind the line, but that is a skill that can develop.
I like the way that Manumaleuna plays the game. He has the desire and skillset to succeed in the pros. The one thing he needs to add is muscle and a lot of it. Manumaleuna needs to get stronger and fast to succeed.
Emmanuel Dieke is a guy I have seen play a lot the last three years and not once did he stand out or look impressive. He is an extreme longshot to make the roster. All the rest of these guys seem like longshots as well.

Philadelphia Eagles

1(26) Marcus Smith (DE, Louisville)

2(42) Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt)

3(86) Josh Huff (WR, Oregon)

4(101) Jaylen Watkins (CB, Florida)

5(141) Taylor Hart (DE, Oregon)

5(162) Ed Reynolds (DB, Stanford)

7(224) Beau Allen (DT, Wisconsin)

Best Pick: Marcus Smith

This was a solid, but unexciting pick towards the end of the 1st round. The reason he is their best pick is that he is a great scheme fit and they picked up extra picks. This guy was not anywhere close to the best player drafted in Round 1. However, the Eagles get extra picks in the process and he fits wonderfully in that defense. This pick is a win-win.

Summary: How they got Marcus Smith trading back and getting a great guy for their team is how it should be done. If you want a guy for your scheme take him when he holds value. Do not reach for a prospect. They got great value in Round 2 with Jordan Matthews as well. Jaylen Watkins will be a good special teams player and can develop into a solid nickel corner. I like a few guys in this draft, but no dominant players.

Grade: B-

Undrafted Free Agents
Josh Andrews (OG, Oregon State)
Blake Annen (TE, Cincinnati)
Karim Barton (OG, Morgan State)
Kadron Boone (WR, LSU)
Trey Burton (TE, Florida)
David Fluellen (RB, Toledo)
John Fulton (CB, Alabama)
Kevin Graf (OT, Southern Cal)
Donald Hawkins (OL, Texas)
Henry Josey (RB, Missouri)
Wade Keliikipi (NT, Oregon)
Daytawion Lowe (S, Oklahoma State)
Taylor Martinez (WR/DB, Nebraska)
Frances Mays (DE, Florida A&M)
Quron Pratt (WR, Rutgers)
Carey Spear (K, Vanderbilt)

Trey Burton is a sleeper to contribute in this offense. Chip Kelly is an offensive genius and a guy as versatile as Burton could create several matchup problems. I say he makes the team and Kelly finds a creative way to utilize his talents.
Josh Andrews was a good depth move.
Henry Josey is a guy that I am still quite surprised he wasn't picked. This guy was one of the fastest runningbacks in the nation last year and ran rather effectively. Although he is a smaller back, he simply gets the job done.
Kevin Graf also has a great chance at earning a spot as does Donald Hawkins. Hawkins is a better fit at guard, but played tackle in college.
Keliikipi is probably the most likely of this group to find a roster spot. He has the Oregon connection to Kelly, but more importantly is the best player of this group.
Taylor Martinez is the guy who was once thought of as a serious Heisman contender that never lived up to the potential. He is getting a shot to play at the NFL Level for the Eagles, but not as a QB. Much like Eric Crouch before him, Martinez is getting a shot at WR and DB. This should be an interesting one to watch with this well known longshot.

Washington Redskins

2(47) Trent Murphy (DE, Stanford)

3(66) Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia)

3(78) Spencer Long (OG, Nebraska)

4(102) Bahaud Breeland (CB, Clemson)

5(142) Ryan Grant (WR, Tulane)

6(186) Lache Seastrunk (RB, Baylor)

7(217) Ted Bolser (TE, Indiana)

7(228) Zach Hocker (K, Arkansas)

Best Pick: Morgan Moses

Moses had a first round grade on many boards. While I had him going in the 2nd round, he had a 1st round grade for me as well. I had him rated higher than some guys who were actually taken in the 1st round also. This was a great pick for the Redskins who didn't have many. I thought Washington would take him in the 2nd, so to get him in the 3rd has got to make the team ecstatic.

Summary: This was another above average draft. I really liked this draft outside the last two picks. The Moses pick was fantastic as was the other ACC guy they got. Bashaud Breeland was a projected 2nd rounder who fell to the Skins in the 4th. This guy is better than the guy they got in the 2nd last year (Amerson). Spencer Long is a solid pick and Mayock thinks Washington will start him immediately. I wasn't as high on him, but Mayock usually knows his stuff. I thought he was drafted around where he should have been picked. Trent Murphy being available in the 2nd round had to be very exciting for the Skins as well. Murphy instantly helps the Redskins put pressure on the Quarterback. Lache Seastrunk in Round 6 is ridiculous as well. That guy is a burner and a great fit in Jay Gruden's offense. The 1-2 punch of Morris and Seastrunk will be great. Helu is not going to see nearly as many carries next year.

Grade: B+

Undrafted Free Agents
Justin Blake (S, Hampton)
JR Carr (LS, Tennessee)
Chris Davenport (DT, Tulane)
Cody Hoffman (WR, BYU)
Rashad Lawrence (WR, Northwestern)
Silas Redd (RB, Southern Cal)
Tommy Rees (QB, Notre Dame)
Bryan Shephard (CB, North Dakota State)
Robert Thomas (DT, Arkansas)

I love the Davenport signing. I say he sticks with the team and by doing so gives the Redskins much needed depth on the defensive line. Thomas could do the same, but I think Davenport is the better player.
Lawrence doesn't have the elite speed you look for in an NFL receiver, but he runs fantastic routes. He also is fearless across the middle and has good size. This guy is one that can make the team.
Silas Redd of course is the player who transferred to USC from Penn State following the scandal. However, in the new offense and tougher conference, Redd was not as successful. The fact that he was more successful against weaker teams and a weaker schedule should be somewhat alarming.
Bryan Shephard isn't very physical on the outside, but he could help and would be great on special teams.

-Noland

Cousins to the Skins

Before the Redskins traded to get Robert Griffin I said they should save their picks fill their other needs and select Kirk Cousins in the third round. I knew that he would fall that far and that I wasn't really sold on the other quarterbacks in the draft. There are so many holes in Washington so why throw a rookie in right away?

So what do the Redskins do? They trade up blow the picks and still draft Cousins in the 4th. You have too many needs to do this Washington. You do not have the luxury to pick both of these quarterbacks. Cousins is a gamer, I like his makeup, but you cannot make this move Washington. What happens if Cousins looks better in the preaseason. The same fans that are so hyped on RG3 will be calling for the backup. It will be Tim Hasselbeck all over again. Not a wise decision and this comes from a Cousins supporter.

Could we have another Heath Shuler vs. Gus Frerotte situation here? Those were the last two quarterbacks I remember the Skins having as rookies at the same time. Frerotte was better despite being a seventh rounder and Shuler a first. Cousins is a hard worker and will over achieve. We will see what happens.

-Noland

Well Redskins, There Goes Half the Field

How do the Cowboys respond to the Skins getting RGIII? They only draft the best defensive back in the draft. Claiborne will shut down any one receiver the Redskins have. This will help fix Dallas's horrible secondary. What an amazing swing for the Cowboys. How did they pull that off? The rest of the NFC East cannot be happy. Fantastic job by Dallas here.

-Noland