Kaspers Korner

For many years now Native American Indians have been challenging the names of teams at all levels, including the National Football League’s Washinton Redskins.  It is simply getting to the point of it being comical.

I have nothing against these people.   They are honorable people, and I even dated a Cherokee indian girl. 

However, the lawsuit against the Redskins has pushed these type of law suits to the point that they are losing credibility.  For crying out loud the team has had the name the Washington Redskins for 75 years.

The first lawsuit against the Redskins was brought up in 1992.  That is nearly 60 years after the teams inaugural season. 

So, why has a lawsuit been not brought up before then?

The answer is a two folded answer.

First, before 1988 indian tribes really did not have the money to bring it up.  Since, the late 1980’s Indian tribes have been using Settlement Claim Acts to buy land to use for casinos.  Thus, giving them a boat load of money.

Secondly, the NFL has become one of the biggest business entities in the US making over six billion a year.  The plaintiffs most likely have thought up that the lawsuit would bring bad plubicity, and thus they would most likely settle on something to make it go away. 

If the plaintiffs win their case against the Redskins they would lose their trademark protection, and thus anyone could sell Redskins merchandise.

However, this is the NFL, and owners are not stupid.  If the Redskins lose the fight, then they will simply change their name, and apply for a new trademark.

In the end, if Native Americans keep pursuing this issue, then they will become the bully that they are trying to beat.