https://youtube.com/watch?v=PSM7phchnCw
Add Bob Costas to the list of sportscasters calling for a change to the Washington Redskins’ name. During halftime of yesterday’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Redskins, Costas took time to address the ongoing controversy.
In his remarks, Costas acknowledged polls that show support for the name, including among American Indians, and said that the name is not intended to be offensive. Nonetheless, he said that a similar name to describe other ethnic groups would not be used, and therefore neither should “Redskins.”
“When considered that way, ‘Redskins’ can’t possibly honor a heritage or noble character trait, nor can it possibly be a neutral term,” he said. “It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent.”
Costas’s remarks come during the first Redskins games since President Obama weighed in on the controversy. Earlier this month, the president told the Associated Press he would “think about changing” the name if he owned the team.