Up until Sunday, Bob Costas had not done a halftime commentary this season, but that all changed in Week 6 as the DC NFL Team took on Dallas on Sunday Night Football. Now I have not been a supporter of Costas’ commentaries in the past and have gone so far to condemn them both here and on Twitter.
But having an open mind and having not seen this live, I was able to see this an hour after the fact. I’m going to take Costas’ side here. He presented both arguments and came to a conclusion. And again, one can argue this is not the proper place as fans would rather watch the game or highlights than be lectured and I can agree, but then again, where else is NBC going to run his comments? The Today Show? The Tonight Show? Dan Patrick?
You can take a look at the video and also read the transcripts to judge. I know many of you are angry judging from the over 70 e-mails I’ve received after the commentary aired. I understand that.
Here’s the video.
Now here’s the transcript.
Bob Costas’ Halftime Essay on Redskins Name
With Washington playing Dallas here tonight, it seems like an appropriate time to acknowledge the ongoing controversy about the name “Redskins.”
Let’s start here. There is no reason to believe that owner Daniel Snyder, or any official or player from his team, harbors animus toward Native Americans or wishes to disrespect them. This is undoubtedly also true of the vast majority of those who don’t think twice about the longstanding moniker. And in fact, as best can be determined, even a majority of Native Americans say they are not offended.
But, having stipulated that, there’s still a distinction to be made. Objections to names like “Braves,” “Chiefs,” “Warriors,” and the like strike many of us as political correctness run amok. These nicknames honor, rather than demean. They are pretty much the same as “Vikings,” “Patriots,” or even “Cowboys.” And names like “Blackhawks,” “Seminoles,” and “Chippewas,” while potentially more problematic, can still be okay provided the symbols are appropriately respectful – which is where the Cleveland Indians with the combination of their name and “Chief Wahoo” logo have sometimes run into trouble.
A number of teams, mostly in the college ranks, have changed their names in response to objections. The Stanford Cardinal and the Dartmouth Big Green were each once the Indians; the St. John’s Redmen have become the Red Storm, and the Miami of Ohio Redskins – that’s right, Redskins – are now the Red Hawks.
Still, the NFL franchise that represents the nation’s capital has maintained its name. But think for a moment about the term “Redskins,” and how it truly differs from all the others. Ask yourself what the equivalent would be, if directed toward African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, or members of any other ethnic group.
When considered that way, “Redskins” can’t possibly honor a heritage, or noble character trait, nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent. It is fair to say that for a long time now, and certainly in 2013, no offense has been intended. But, if you take a step back, isn’t it clear to see how offense “might” legitimately be taken?
For more on this topic, including Daniel Snyder’s take, go to http://www.nbcsports.com/nickname.
That’s it.
