Bob Costas felt that halftime of the latest installment of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” was “an appropriate time” to address the controversy swirling around the Washington Washington Football Team”.
Not everyone agreed. (Really, during the game Bob?)
With RG3 and the reigning NFC East champions facing off against the Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday, Costas tackled the team’s name and iconography. After briefly surveying the issues, as he sees them, plaguing teams with Native American monikers and mascots, Costas took aim at the franchise owned by Dan Snyder.
“But think for a moment about the term Washington Football Team’s 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, Washington Football Team’s 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?”
The answers to Costas’ closing question were mixed, as were the reactions to the segment. The remarks drew praise and criticism from those on either side of the issue as well as anger from people who don’t believe that the broadcast of a sporting event is actually the “appropriate time” to discuss the topic.
Can public statements like Costas’ make a difference? Comments are welcome.
