USAT: Washington Wire audio clip

USAT: Washington Wire

Feb 9, 2022

Washington “Commanders?” - What’s in a mascot name? - With our current political climate of loathing, fanaticism and cancel culture, can you imagine if for the first time a team announced they were going to be called the “Patriots?” - Think of the political forces that would be activated, so offended that an NFL team desired to be called such an offensive name, after those who killed British soldiers in the 18th-century American war. Yet, fighting against “taxation without representation,” Patriots had to build forts, dig ditches, defend their land and property, then dodge bullets, reloading their guns against those red coats. - How many would be affronted that a team was considering, “Cowboys?” - After all, the west was wild, many were a law unto themselves, and Native Americans were killed or cheated by such gangsters. Even for the honest “Cowboys” of that era, what was so great about cattle-driving that one would desire to name an NFL team the “Cowboys?” - Remember when the “Ravens” name was chosen for the new Baltimore team that started in 1996? - I thought Eagles and Hawks were stronger birds that made for cool mascots. But a Raven is a weaker bird known for mostly making prey of nests of birds and bird eggs. But you know what? After a couple of seasons, I was accustomed to it. - So you don’t like “Commanders?” A confession, when I first heard it was a possibility, I did not particularly find myself excited about it either. But you know what? I grew accustomed to Ravens, and others to “Patriots” and “Cowboys.” It won’t be long we will have grown accustomed to “Commanders” as well. - Even more, if they start winning. - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Washington Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Washington Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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