Names People Play: Condescending Media Becomes More Politically Correct

A majority of the establishment media has been flogging the NCAA for an extended period regarding a series of mishaps and missteps. But the press has stepped over to the dark side mirroring the NCAA with an obsession concerning nicknames.

A new NFL microsite, "TheMMBQ.com" spearheaded by Peter King, SI's chief NFL scribe and a contributor for NBC's Football Night in America, intends not to use the nickname "Redskins" no matter how many touchdowns RGIII generates for Washington. ESPN's Bill Simmons (Grantland impresario), Edward R. Murrow-Olbermann and Outside the Lines know-it-alls among other self-appointed sensitivity arbiters followed suit. King, Olbermann, Simmons and their politically-correct cohorts are trying to teach heathens a thing or two about tackling civility. Rather than weighing in on the petty topic, doesn't POTUS have something more important to do such as inspiring the Senate to finally submit a budget for the first time in years? In a poll conducted for AP, only 14 percent of respondents agreed with broadcasters who refuse to use "the R-word."

Don't the PC police from outlets such as the Extra Sensitive Pious Network (ESPN) have anything better to do? Aren't media outlets supposed to be covering news; not making it? A year ago, North Dakota voters approved a ballot measure by a 2-to-1 margin allowing the University of North Dakota, an NCAA Division I newcomer, to discontinue using its controversial nickname - the Fighting Sioux. There are groups continuing an exercise-in-futility fight for nickname retention. Thus angst over a new nickname and logo will simmer until early 2015, which is the earliest the current moniker will be jettisoned.

A re-branding process is necessary after the most recent furor stemming from the state Board of Higher Education yielding to the NCAA's meddling progressive policy police following a six-year battle over the nickname and logo allegedly being hostile to American Indians. The school chose to respect the state's referendum process and resumed using the nickname in mid-season after an intense debate spurred supporters to file petitions demanding a statewide vote on the issue. Eventually, the heavyhanded NCAA responded by saying the school risked forfeiting postseason games if it failed to "take measures to minimize or eliminate the presence of the imagery."

Previous schools failing to exhibit nearly as much spunk as North Dakota's citizenry and making politically-correct decisions by switching their supposedly demeaning and highly-insensitive nicknames were Arkansas State (changed from Indians to Red Wolves), Colgate (Red Raiders to Raiders), Eastern Michigan (Hurons to Eagles), Louisiana-Monroe (Indians to Warhawks), Marquette (Warriors to Golden Eagles), Miami of Ohio (Redskins to RedHawks), Oklahoma City (Chiefs to Stars), Quinnipiac (Braves to Bobcats), St. John's (Redmen to Red Storm), Seattle (Chieftains to Redhawks), Siena (Indians to Saints) and Southeast Missouri State (Indians to Redhawks). Can Miami of Ohio fans stop seeking penance since shedding "Redskins"?

It might be wise for touchy-feely elites such as King and Simmons plus the NCAA to assert themselves if the origin of some of the more clever nicknames were tinkered with and became too risque such as Flipu, Gamblers, Haters, Hell on Heels, Horny Frogs, Truncated Trojans and Trenchcoat Flashes. But for the numerous insensitive louts nonpulsed by this holier-than-thou victimization obsession, are they to feel shame at the extent of the alleged discrimination? Rather than bow to pressure, many traditional observers hope the following "Last of the Mohegans" remain steadfast and retain their time-honored monikers: Alcorn State (Braves), Bradley (Braves), Central Michigan (Chippewas), Florida State (Seminoles), Illinois (Fighting Illini), Utah (Utes) and William & Mary (Tribe).

What's next? Left-wing zealots from PETA (unless they are card-carrying members of the parallel universe People for Eating Tasty Animals) and the Bird Lovers International crowd could possibly feel empowered to capitalize on this catalyst for constructive social change by making it a heartless foul to have any nickname referencing a precious animal or fowl.

What was the cumulative cost, including personnel at the NCAA home office in Indianapolis, for nickname changes and how many mental midgets did it take at the NCAA to concoct this colossal caricature intervention? No wonder it's so easy to ridicule the governing body with a name-calling barrage. In the aftermath of widespread authentic turmoil at Miami (FL), North Carolina, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Southern California and Syracuse, many think there are more significant issues in intercollegiate athletics requiring "fighting" or "suing" by the purulent NCAA rather than giving a selective outrage forum to pious pinheads manufacturing a mascot/nickname crisis that really didn't exist to any meaningful degree.

How many casinos need to be exchanged for wampum before the PC police and other individuals afflicted by white guilt such as NBC's Bob Costas are satisfied? If a fraction of Washington Redskins loyalists find Lil' Bob's last name offensive, shouldn't he be "forced" to change it to appease them? Never before rooted for franchise in entire lifetime, but "Hail to the Redskins!" despite their probable struggles this season. In a worst-case scenario, can they retain their nickname via appeasing elitists leftists by just changing their logo from an Indian to a red potato?