Bob Costas Weighs In On Redskins Controversy: "It's An Insult, A Slur" (video)

RealClearPolitics ^ | October 13, 2013 | RealClearPolitics

[Altura Ct.]

Redskins can't possibly honor a heritage or a noble character trait

So when you name a sports team you mean it as an insult? So for example the 'fighting Irish' is not meant to embody the spirit and determination of the team but rather to insult the Irish? Gotcha!

[jmaroneps37]

Does it ever occur to any of these Leftist slugs that since only 10% of American Indians expresses any feelings of outrage over the name Redskins their paternalistic attitude toward the other 90% of Indians is itself an insult?

[Bender2]

Well, I say we celebrate by making 'Bob Costas' the word we use... when you cannot say-- Well, you know what in polite company--

Such as: "You don't know Bob Costas!

Or: "You don't know Bob Coasta from Shinola!"

"Eat Bob Costas and die!"

"Be back in a minute, gotta take a Bob Coasta."

"Gadzooks, you could fall in a pile of Bob Coasta and come out smelling like a rose."

"Oh no, I stepped in Bob Coasta!"

"Well, looks like you are Bob Coasta out of luck--"

"He has Bob Coasta for brains."

"I don't give a Bob Costas about what anybody thinks."

"Bob Costas happens!"

“He's a piece of Bob Costas.”

"Whoa, I Bob Costas in my pants!"

"I am just Bob Costas out of luck!"

"You are nuttier than squirrel Bob Costas!"

“If you start to smell some of the Bob Costas, you start smelling all of the Bob Costas.”

"I think a Bob Costas storm is coming--"

"I have a Bob Costas job."

"You're talking Bob Costas!"

"I'm so full of Bob Costas.”

“He is so rich, he has no room to Bob Costas.”

"If it takes us 10 years to get into the Bob Costas, it will take us 20 to get out."

“Don’t shout my friend; no one gives you Bob Costas unless you make them.”

"That is a ton of Bob Costas!"

“When you're up to your nose in Bob Costas, keep your mouth shut”

“Life is like a Bob Costas sandwich the more bread you have the less Bob Costas you have to eat.”

"I don't give a Bob Costas about that."

“Hey, I have a built-in Bob Costas detector.”

" I may not know much, but I know Bob Costas from chicken salad.”

"Gad, she thinks her Bob Costas doesn't stink!"

"Whoa, I almost got the Bob Costas kicked out of me--"

"Yea, you got the Bob Coastas end of the stick."

"This is some deep Bob Coastas!"

“Bob Costas floats to the top”

"My life has gone to Bob Coastas!"

"Shut up, you're talking Bob Costas!"

"If this Bob Costas goes on--"

And now, if any of you have anymore Bob Costas you wish to offer... be my guest--

[maddog55]

Costas

(Costa) a rib like part of a plant or animal (such as a middle rib of a leaf or a thickened vein of an insect wing)

[maddog55]

I’m not a Redskins fan in fact I despise the team but if I was Dan Snyder I think my response would be “I don’t give a rats ass who I offend, deal with it... Next question.”

[Jack Hydrazine]

LOL!

[BeadCounter]

The problem is with NBC already I think. NBC uses the muscle they have to contribute opinion just like Costas did on gun-control.

The other alphabet networks are not much better but to their credit, I think CBS, ESPN largely stay out of these kinds of frays in the sports broadcasts themselves, you’d never hear John Madden or Pat Summeral state these kinds of opinions. In turn, Fox does sports events but don’t get involved in these kinds of matters either.

What Costas said probably came from the higher-ups at NBC.

[BeadCounter]

Adding on to my prior post, Newsbusters, Bozell seem to assert further, the problem is with “Comcast-owned NBC”

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2013/10/13/bob-costas-huffs-halftime-nbc-redskins-can-t-possibly-honor-heritageits-

[bmwcyle]

Bob is a punk. He has always been a punk. Bob will never change.

[BeadCounter]

Hadn't see tnis one.

[central_va]

Maybe the Washington Redskins should be the Washington Rainbows, with a PC team made up of 70% white, 50% women and 10 % asian players. We’ll see how many games they win.

[Ronald_Magnus]

Dan Snyder sent this e-mail yesterday to everyone registered at the Redskin site: To Everyone in our Washington Redskins Nation: As loyal fans, you deserve to know that everyone in the Washington Redskins organization – our players, coaches and staff – are truly privileged to represent this team and everything it stands for. We are relentlessly committed to our fans and to the sustained long-term success of this franchise. That’s why I want to reach out to you – our fans – about a topic I wish to address directly: the team name, “Washington Redskins.” While our focus is firmly on the playing field, it is important that you hear straight from me on this issue. As the owner of the Redskins and a lifelong fan of the team, here is what I believe … and why I believe it. Like so many of you, I was born a fan of the Washington Redskins. I still remember my first Redskins game. Most people do. I was only six, but I remember coming through the tunnel into the stands at RFK with my father, and immediately being struck by the enormity of the stadium and the passion of the fans all around me. I remember how quiet it got when the Redskins had the ball, and then how deafening it was when we scored. The ground beneath me seemed to move and shake, and I reached up to grab my father’s hand. The smile on his face as he sang that song … he’s been gone for 10 years now, but that smile, and his pride, are still with me every day. That tradition – the song, the cheer – it mattered so much to me as a child, and I know it matters to every other Redskins fan in the D.C. area and across the nation. Our past isn’t just where we came from—it’s who we are. As some of you may know, our team began 81 years ago – in 1932 – with the name “Boston Braves.” The following year, the franchise name was changed to the “Boston Redskins.” On that inaugural Redskins team, four players and our Head Coach were Native Americans. The name was never a label. It was, and continues to be, a badge of honor. In 1971, our legendary coach, the late George Allen, consulted with the Red Cloud Athletic Fund located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and designed our emblem on the Redskins helmets. Several years later, Coach Allen was honored by the Red Cloud Athletic Fund. On the wall at our Ashburn, Virginia, offices is the plaque given to Coach Allen – a source of pride for all of us. “Washington Redskins” is more than a name we have called our football team for over eight decades. It is a symbol of everything we stand for: strength, courage, pride, and respect – the same values we know guide Native Americans and which are embedded throughout their rich history as the original Americans. I’ve listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name. But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too. Consider the following facts concerning the “Washington Redskins” name: 1) The highly respected Annenberg Public Policy Center polled nearly 1,000 self-identified Native Americans from across the continental U.S. and found that 90% of Native Americans did not find the team name “Washington Redskins” to be “offensive.” 2) In an April 2013 Associated Press survey, 79% of the respondents stated the Washington Redskins should not change their name, while only 11% believed the team’s name should change. Paul Woody, a columnist for the Richmond Times Dispatch, interviewed three leaders of Virginia Native American tribes this May. They were all quoted by Mr. Woody as stating that the team name doesn't offend them – and their comments strongly supported the name “Washington Redskins.” Also in May, SiriusXM NFL Radio hosted Robert Green, the longtime and recently retired Chief of the Fredericksburg-area Patawomeck Tribe, who said, among other things: “Frankly, the members of my tribe - the vast majority - don’t find it offensive. I’ve been a Redskins fan for years. And to be honest with you, I would be offended if they did change [the name, Redskins….This is] an attempt by somebody…to completely remove the Indian identity from anything and pretty soon… you have a wipeout in society of any reference to Indian people….You can’t rewrite history – yes there were some awful bad things done to our people over time, but naming the Washington football team the Redskins, we don’t consider to be one of those bad things.” Our franchise has a great history, tradition and legacy representing our proud alumni and literally tens of millions of loyal fans worldwide. We have participated in some of the greatest games in NFL history, and have won five World Championships. We are proud of our team and the passion of our loyal fans. Our fans sing “Hail to the Redskins” in celebration at every Redskins game. They speak proudly of “Redskins Nation” in honor of a sports team they love. So when I consider the Washington Redskins name, I think of what it stands for. I think of the Washington Redskins traditions and pride I want to share with my three children, just as my father shared with me – and just as you have shared with your family and friends. I respect the opinions of those who disagree. I want them to know that I do hear them, and I will continue to listen and learn. But we cannot ignore our 81 year history, or the strong feelings of most of our fans as well as Native Americans throughout the country. After 81 years, the team name “Redskins” continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come. We are Redskins Nation ... and we owe it to our fans and coaches and players, past and present, to preserve that heritage. With Respect and Appreciation, Dan Snyder PS. Wherever I go, I see Redskins bumper stickers, Redskins decals, Redskins t-shirts, Redskins … everything. I know how much this team means to you, and it means everything to me as well. Always has. I salute your passion and your pride for the Burgundy & Gold.

[4yearlurker]

I agree the name should be changed. How about “The Washington Gut Eaters?”

[privatedrive]

Yeah you’d think someone would tell him that furry thing he wears on his head looks pathetic.

Wish someone could post a pic of him without the rug - probably looks like Ron Howard.

[SevenofNine]

You know what I put Bob Costra on mute when he come up just saying he such totally idiot why he still on NBC sports he sucks as broadcaster

[VideoDoctor]

Yet another IDIOT A$$HOLE heard from.

Somewhere between 75 to 85% of Americans, including Indians, DO NOT find the team's name derogatory.

[UCANSEE2]

How did they get their name?

Well, I had to look it up. They were named after their first head coach, Paul Brown.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Thanks for the info!