Brings back memories of the USFL. I remember the San Antonio Gunslingers.
No it probably would not pass muster today.
I recall the Houston Astros were originally the Houston Colt .45s, named after the Colt .45 gun.
And their uniform had the gun on the front, as I recall.
If the Colt .45 name was still with that team, they would be facing pressures to change it, just as teams with Indian nicknames are facing pressures to change.
It would never fly today. Washington Bullets is another example.
The Cincinnati Reds in the early 1950s, a conservative team in what was a conservative area, changed their named to the Redlegs so not to be associated with the “Red Scare” at the time.
What happens to the Columbus Blue Jackets? Named after a civil war reference but which goes first the city’s name or the hockey team’s nickname?
Wouldn’t the Colt .45s name be subject to trademark infringement; either from Colt Arms or the malt liquor company.