In a new letter, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington State and Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, are calling on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league to support a name change for the Washington Redskins. The two say that the NFL is “on the wrong side of history,” adding that the league can “no longer ignore” that the name is simply “a racial slur.”
Responding on Twitter Monday, Lawrence tied this news to the fact NFL-draft prospect Michael Sam has confirmed that he is gay. He tweeted:
Will everyone tweeting support for Michael Sam now please tweet opposition to name of DC's NFL team? Can someone in White House start this?
— Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) February 10, 2014Lawrence also asked this question of his followers:
What do defenders of DC's NFL team name tell their kids when their kids ask what the team name means?
— Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) February 10, 2014Here are some of the best responses to Lawrence’s tweets today:
@Lawrence @SeanChristopher It means Indians. "Why name a team after Indians?" Because Indians are courageous warriors. Oh.. Okay.
— TripleJ (@TripleJ666) February 10, 2014@Lawrence Yes, D.C. should be ashamed of itself. #therword #offensive #NFL
— attica locke (@atticalocke) February 10, 2014@Lawrence why don't supporters of the name say "redskins shouldn't be offended" instead of " native Americans shouldn't be offended"?
— brij (@brijshow) February 10, 2014.@Maggyw519 – I think @Lawrence is looking for someone other than a "West Wing" character to step up to the plate.
— Ken Barnes (@kenjbarnes1) February 10, 2014Reply to @SeanChristopher @Lawrence this is the age old battle between giving power to words or intent. redskins offends though unintended.
— jef (@SpiderlegsMusic) February 10, 2014@SeanChristopher @Lawrence I understand, especially for lifelong fans. But better to make a small sacrifice and adapt than perpetuate hurt.
— Betsy Kardos (@BetsyKardos) February 10, 2014@Lawrence @SeanChristopher Teams are re-named. Bullets were. Other DC team will eventually be. Question is: With big fight or with grace?
— Rebecca Jaramillo (@RebeccazWriting) February 10, 2014In October, NBC sportscaster Bob Costas made headlines for weighing in on the controversial name. He called the Redskins’ name an “insult” and a “slur.”
“Think for a moment about the term ‘Redskins’ and how it truly differs from all the others,” Costas said. “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 a noble character trait, nor could it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult, a slur no matter how benign the present-day intent. It’s 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?”
Nick Ramsey
Nick Ramsey is a senior producer with MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.”
Sarah Muller