Art Monk, Darrell Green, Want "Redskin" Name Change

WASHINGTON - July 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Art Monk, Darrell Green, Want "Redskin" Name Change
Statements Add to Speculation Triggered by Frank Luntz of New Name

WASHINGTON, D.C.  (July 23, 2013):  Two well known former Redskin members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame have joined the rising chorus of those demanding that the team change its name because it is racially offensive.

        Art Monk, the Redskins' all-time leader in receptions (888) and yards receiving (12,026), told a radio audience "[If] Native Americans feel like Redskins or the Chiefs or [another] name is offensive to them, then who are we to say to them 'No, it's not?'"  

        He added that a name change should be "seriously considered."

        Darrell Green, the Redskins' franchise leader in interceptions (54), seemed to go further, saying, "Hey, this offends me.”

        This could be an important breakthrough, says one of those leading the battle for a name change  –  in his case through legal action – since, as the Washington Post noted, "whatever your feelings on this issue, I think you’d probably agree that Art Monk and Darrell Green are going to move the needle far more than any sports columnist" likewise calling for a name change.

        Public interest law professor John Banzhaf notes that there has been growing speculation in the media, following focus groups and surveys by spin master Frank Luntz, that team owner Dan Snyder is seriously considering a name change, and may been looking for the best way to announce the decision without seeming to be backing down and losing face.

        Meanwhile, legal actions under federal broadcasting law are being actively considered, says Banzhaf, who brought a similar and very successful legal action attacking racial discrimination in the past.

JOHN F. BANZHAF III, B.S.E.E., J.D., Sc.D.
Professor of Public Interest Law
George Washington University Law School,
FAMRI Dr. William Cahan Distinguished Professor,
Fellow, World Technology Network,
Founder, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
2000 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052, USA
(202) 994-7229 // (703) 527-8418
http://banzhaf.net/ @profbanzhaf