Today, the United States Patent Office cancelled six trademarks for the Washington, DC, NFL team, ruling that the word “redskin” is “disparaging to Native Americans.”
The team doesn’t have to change its name, but the ruling would limit its ability to make money on jerseys and mugs and everything else with the team logo on it. The Washington Post reports that this isn’t the first time Native American activists have gotten this far; a similar patent ruling was overturned on appeal.
But hopefully, with public pressure increasing, it will finally be time for a new NFL team name.
And we found some worthy suggestions on Twitter! Enjoy…
Why not the Washington Reagans? You only need to change a few letters and whiten up the mascot some.
— daveweigel (@daveweigel) June 18, 2014
For your consideration. pic.twitter.com/FAQMWBtKJ9
— Drunk Predator Drone (@drunkenpredator) June 18, 2014
Washington Stenographers to Power.
— Tom Tomorrow (@tomtomorrow) June 18, 2014
#namechange Washington Do-nothings
— Sandy Beall (@bluedgal) June 18, 2014
@StorySlug @tomtomorrow @bonedog84 Washington DeficitHawks
— john saponara (@jsapfoto) June 18, 2014
The Washington Wall Streeters. #namechange
— Th3rdye (@5MarkEL) June 18, 2014
Washington Patent Losers.
— Tina Dupuy (@TinaDupuy) June 18, 2014
IT IS TIME RT @Danny_Concannon: Its time has come. The Washington Red Pandas. pic.twitter.com/1WNHFJP36V
— darth™ (@darth) June 18, 2014
I endorse changing the name to the "Washington Department of Football."
— Hannah Groch-Begley (@grouchybagels) June 18, 2014
Got a witty suggestion? Share it with us in the comments.
Also, don’t miss John Oliver’s hilarious take-down of the DC team’s name:
