JR Spox’s Daily Briefing – Pro Sports Teams are Changing their Names

Special interest groups are on the offense during these challenging times. Once they saw leaders were not going to take control, they took advantage. “Let’s come up with a reason to change the name of Pro Sports teams and other things.”

Some names are offending. Some changes are a reach.

(I’ve tried to include the date the original name appeared.)

Pro FOOTBALL is at the head of the list with offensive names and logos.

Washington Redskins 1932

This round of social correctness starts in our nation’s capital. For years, Native Americans have been trying to get the football team to change their name and logo. This time the push seems to be gaining momentum. Of course, the protest is well-founded. The name is offensive and racist.

The Native Americans wanted the team name to be ‘Code Talkers’. That didn’t fly for some reason.

After a quick survey, the popular choice for a new name was ‘The Pigskins’. Just a little photoshop on the logo and you’re ready to play ball.

But the team has another problem. The name of the city, Washington. One suggestion was to change their name to the ‘DC Sharks’. That was quickly vetoed by the lobbyist in town.

‘Go Talkers’ just doesn’t sound right.

Kansas City Chiefs 1960

Their corporate position was too despite the claims by the Native American community. They said their name was not a reference to Native Americans. The Chiefs is in honor of a former Kansas City mayor who was the founder of a Boy Scouts honor camping society. He was known at the camp as "Chief" Lone Bear.

Also, some fan practices are under review including the tomahawk chop, the drum, Arrowhead Stadium, Warpaint, and the costumes worn by fans at the game. One suggestion was that they should replace the symbols with whistles.

One of my inside contacts suggested changing the name to the ‘Chefs’ which required a small change to the logo and the image. That idea didn’t go anywhere when the Culinary Union raised strong objections.

Seattle Seahawks 1976

The team is considering changing their name to ‘CHAZ’ in remembrance of the social demonstrations downtown. The leaders strongly considered the change until THE Utah Jazz complained about trademark infringement. This is still being reviewed.

Pro BASEBALL has their own problems with names and social rights.

Cleveland Indians 1901

We’ll let’s start with Cleveland. Their nickname says it all. Surprisingly, the organization has not had a lot of pressure to change anything. Maybe they have followed in the footsteps of the Florida State Seminoles. Their name and logo usage were officially sanctioned by the Seminole Tribe. The chief regards it as an "honor" to be associated with the university.

One suggestion that appeared in my survey was to change the name to just ‘Baseball’. That has a ring to it. ‘Go Bases’.

Seattle Mariners 1977

Seattle is under pressure to change their name to ‘the Choppers’ in memory of the organized protest downtown. With this new mandate, the fans can bring their own fireworks and signs. Also, no one will have to go through a metal detector or be searched in any way at the gate.

Atlanta Braves 1876

Atlanta is another team facing the problem with their nickname. The name is considered racist in concept. They have been exploring several options not used by other teams like the Hammers, the Firebirds, and the Georgia Appalachians.

I suggested just drop the ‘s’ off the name to designate the ‘Home of the Brave’. A quick change to the logo and inserting a picture of, let’s say a picture of a war veteran. That idea was quickly shot down by a group who had a problem with that idea.

St. Louis Cardinals 1892

And then there are my beloved Cards. The picture of a red bird hasn’t raised much attention although if the Cubs get ahold of this idea that might all change.

However, the name of the city is under attack. Recently a petition by an Israeli-American and a pair of Muslim activists was filed in district court.

The name’s origin is from King Louis IX from France who was a racist, according to them. A note: the KING died in 1270.

Simple. Let’s change the name to St. Louie. Small change. Easy to adjust too.

Other changes in the works.

Colonel Sanders

The colonel must go. He represents the plantation owners of the deep south during segregation, according to the opposition. He is the founder of the fast-food chicken restaurant chain Kentucky Fried Chicken. His name and image are still symbols of the company which must go. There goes my favorite sandwich, the Crispy Colonel Sandwich. Surely, they can make a quick name change.

Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup

This has been my favorite since I was a child. But I agree with the change to the name and the symbol. It is a symbol of a racial stereotype. The brand is 130-year-old.

Quaker will come up with something acceptable. They have announced ‘The Aunt Jemima’ brand of syrup and pancake mix will get a new name and image.

Mount Rushmore

Located in the Black Hills in South Dakota, the monument depicts the images of four of our Presidents.

The Sioux have disputed the territory for years for being sacred. And the Presidents represent a negative symbolism, according to some.

The land was given to the Sioux tribe in 1868 and stayed under their control until gold was found. In the 1870s prospectors took control of the area. A side note: The sculptor behind the American landmark had some unseemly ties to white supremacy groups.

A hot rumor:

There is a movement to change the street names in major cities from President’s names to plain letters or numbers. Like in the past, the number 13 will not be used, as well as, the letter ‘F’.

We now play baseball at the corner of ‘A’ Avenue and Clark Street.

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