"The Washington Redskins start their season tonight and, as most sports fans will attest, it is a time to think of endless possibilities. Let's hope that a new coach for offense and an aging quarterback make for a winning combination, that Clinton Portis's shoulder heals quickly and -- the biggest wish of all -- that the season ends with a January ride on the bandwagon. We share in the excitement, but in truth we also are embarrassed to embrace a team that is so terribly named.

This is not a new issue, nor is it the first time we have urged the change of a name that, as a check with the dictionary shows, is a racial slur. In the early 1990s, a group of Native Americans sued over the name, citing federal law prohibiting the registration of any trademark that disparages any race, religion or group. There's been new activity in this challenge, and once again the Redskins are on the defensive, advancing the argument that since the team and its fans don't intend to be racist, the nickname is not offensive.

While the Redskins -- and the rest of professional sports -- have dug in their heels, a nationwide movement has seen hundreds of schools and minor league professional clubs get rid of Indian team names -- with no adverse consequences."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Go Redskins (The WAshington Post 9/11)
pwpwd

Redskins Petition:
Blackhorse v. ProFootball

Appeals Court Decision:
Pro-Football, Inc. v. Harjo (July 15, 2005)

Lower Court Decision:
Pro-Football, Inc. v. Harjo (September 30, 2003)

Patent and Trademark Office Ruling:
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1999)

William "Lone Star" Dietz Research:
Linda Waggoner: Reclaiming James One Star (Indian Country Today 2004)

Relevant Links:
Redskins - http://www.redskins.com

Related Stories:
Column: Young Natives wrong to challenge 'Redskins' (8/31)
Column: 'Washington Redskins' a racist name (08/21)
'Redskins' battle continues with new petition (8/15)
Young Natives to file new complaint on 'Redskins' (8/10)
Opinion: Tribes must consider all political parties (07/28)
Column: 'Redskins' a mascot of Indian genocide (11/17)
Harjo: White man's words trump Native views (10/21)
Linguist claims Indian orgin for 'redskins' term (10/03)
Harjo: Native nations stand up to 'Fighting Sioux' (10/03)
Schwarzenegger vetoes bill banning 'Redskins' (9/30)
Column: 'Redskins' players not exactly keen on name (09/19)
Research: 'Redskins' coach faked Indian heritage (08/30)
Column: How about the Washington Blackfaces? (08/19)
Opinion: It's time to bench the 'Redskins' mascot (08/08)
TV stations challenged on use of 'Redskins' name (7/22)
'Redskins' lawsuit revived by appeals court (7/18)
Opinion: It's time for racist mascots to go (07/14)
Seminole Tribe doesn't have problem with mascots (07/05)
Harjo: Ruling expected any day on use of R-word (06/17)
Harjo: NCAA should ban all 'Native' imagery (05/27)
Appeals court enters battle over 'Redskins' names (4/11)
Letter: Redskins owner should drop offensive name (11/11)
Column: It's time for 'Redskins' to go (09/22)
Opinion: Redskins should drop 'offensive' name (01/07)
Seneca Nation invited lawmakers to Redskins game (10/13)
Opinion: Fight against Redskins marks a waste of time (10/07)
NCAI critical of ruling on Redskins trademarks (10/3)
Judge allows team to keep Redskins names (10/2)
Court considers cancellation of Redskins team marks (07/24)
Report: Redskins merchandise worth $5 million (07/24)
Judge to hold hearing on Redskins mark case (7/21)
Opinion: Take Indians out of Redskins (12/02)
On Mascots: 'Redskins' is our n-word (09/16)
White Man: Indians proud of Redskins (5/30)
Opinion: Why Redskins must change (3/4)
Redskins get 'new' old look (2/7)
Redskins uniforms changed, for now (2/6)
Harjo: Seeking 'honor' in R-word (2/4)
Opinion: Redskins is for Indians (1/28)
Letters: More on Redskins name (1/18)
Redskins name OK if it offends (1/17)
As If: Replace Redskins logo (1/15)
Editorial: Redskins honors Native people (1/14)
Letters: Debate over Redskins name (1/14)
Redskins name called 'dehumanizing' (1/10)
Redskins told to pick new name (1/9)
Letter: 'Redskins' honors Native people (1/9)
Opinion: War over Redskins plate (1/7)
Redskins name wanted changed (11/19)