After 16 Years of Litigation, Still No Ruling on Whether 'Redskins' Name Is Offensive

A group of American Indians has spent the last 16 years suing to get the Washington Redskins' trademark on the name "Redskins" revoked, contending the the term is offensive and that offensive terms can't be trademarked.

A judge ruled yesterday on the Redskins' behalf, but the ruling was a technicality that sidestepped the issue of whether the name "Redskins" is offensive.

"She ruled as we anticipated she would: for the loophole that would allow everyone to avoid the merits of the case," said Harjo, president of the Washington-based Morning Star Institute that advances Native American causes.

Eventually, the Redskins and the NFL are going to have to accept the fact that legal technicalities aren't going to work forever, and that some judge is going to rule that "Redskins" is offensive and revoke the team's trademark. At that point, the team and the league will be forced to make a decision: Lose tens of millions of dollars a year in merchandising, or find a new team name.

There's not much doubt in my mind that at some point in my lifetime, the football team in Washington won't be called the Redskins.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-12-2008 @ 5:00PM

Jack said...

I can feel why the indians feel that way but they should be very proud with pride that the Washington Redskins are wear that trademark they are being remember as part of a America History. Really this happened in the 1600's 1700's & 1800's that we American was at war with the indians and I feel that they still should teaching this in all school here in America. These kids need to know about the pass American History even if it was over 200 or 300 years ago. So for the indians that are still alive here today living in are freedom get over it.

7-12-2008 @ 10:33PM

B.R.V. said...

Jack....what did you do, drop out of school in the 1st. grade? You sound like a complete illiterate, ignorant fool! How dare you even suggest that "the Indians still alive today should get over it". Could you get over the historical fact that your land was stolen by Colonialists?.....that your entire nation was wiped out.....your people were murdered.......your women were raped......your children died from diseases brought by these invaders from far away lands? "Living in our freedom".....that has to be the most assinine, backward thinking thing I've ever heard!

7-13-2008 @ 12:31AM

George B Vieto said...

I agree that the team nickname Redskins is very offensive and should change. How about Anacondas?

7-13-2008 @ 8:24AM

Cathy Dozier said...

The Washington Bullets changed their name (precedent, both as to team & as to city). The name "Redskins" is doomed. What names occur to those of you reading this article and these comments? I suspect the reflex is to go with alliteration (as in the NBA's Washington Wizards). Your thoughts, please!

7-13-2008 @ 10:37AM

David427 said...

I'm not a very PC person but even I find the name offensive. It's on the same footing if Atlanta Falcons were called the Atlanta umm, a word that starts with an 'N' and ends with an 'r'. Or how about the Boston 'icks instead of the Boston Cletics?

On another note, does anyone else find the yearly portrial of the Irish as drunks on Saint Patrick’s day offensive? How about a national ad campaign by KFC with similar offensive stereotypes on MLK day or civil rights day or whatever it's called?

7-20-2008 @ 3:38PM

MG said...

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the name. Poll after poll shows great support from the American Indian community. That's right, American Indian. The term Native American is quite unpopular. If the polling data were intensely in the other direction, that would be different. But it's not. Do the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians or Kansas City Chiefs create anti-American Indian feelings? Quite the opposite. If those opposing the name want to do something constructive, donate to a charity that aids that ciommunity. How much good is done by complaining about a football team?

8-08-2008 @ 2:51AM

Mary said...

Jack, You are right!! I am married to a Muckleshoot Indian and work at the child dev center and have a plate on my truck that reads R skins and I wear the jersey, T shirt, ect. to work. I am a white person who works with natives and what teams do you see?? Skins, winterhawks, ect. BRV get your shit straight!!! Natives are alive and well and giving back to their community!!! Maybe you are the one who needs to study up?!!!!