I, for one, would like to tip my cap to CBS NFL analyst Phil Simms, who, on Monday, said that during Week 4's game between the New York Giants and Washington, he likely won't use the term "Redskins" during the game.
When speaking to the Associated Press about matters, Simms said, "My very first thought is it will be Washington the whole game."
He added: "I never really thought about it, and then it came up (the Week 4 game) and it made me think about it. There are a lot of things that can come up in a broadcast, and I am sensitive to this."
To his credit, NBC NFL analyst Tony Dungy later said that, "I will personally try not to use Redskins and refer to them as Washington. Personal opinion for me, not the network."
Last year, NBC's Bob Costas had a halftime segment regarding the team's nickname. Part of that segment went as follows:
"Think for a moment about the term 'Redskins,' and how it truly differs from all others. 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 noble character trait, nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It's an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent."
While many other analysts have contended that they will continue to use Washington's nickname in their broadcasts, Simms and Dungy stepping out from the crowd and taking a stand on matters is a big step forward, and it may only be a matter of time before other analysts follow suit. So, once again, kudos to both Phil Simms and Tony Dungy.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/19/simms-dungy-redskins_n_5688907.html
When speaking to the Associated Press about matters, Simms said, "My very first thought is it will be Washington the whole game."
He added: "I never really thought about it, and then it came up (the Week 4 game) and it made me think about it. There are a lot of things that can come up in a broadcast, and I am sensitive to this."
To his credit, NBC NFL analyst Tony Dungy later said that, "I will personally try not to use Redskins and refer to them as Washington. Personal opinion for me, not the network."
Last year, NBC's Bob Costas had a halftime segment regarding the team's nickname. Part of that segment went as follows:
"Think for a moment about the term 'Redskins,' and how it truly differs from all others. 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 noble character trait, nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It's an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent."
While many other analysts have contended that they will continue to use Washington's nickname in their broadcasts, Simms and Dungy stepping out from the crowd and taking a stand on matters is a big step forward, and it may only be a matter of time before other analysts follow suit. So, once again, kudos to both Phil Simms and Tony Dungy.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/19/simms-dungy-redskins_n_5688907.html
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