The long debated topic of the Washington Redskins team name is adding another chapter to its already extensive history.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a ban of the term "Redskins", as many consider it an offensive slur towards Native Americans, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The agency's chairman indicated Tuesday that potential punishments may be handed out to broadcasters who use the term, should the FCC go forward with this effort.
Legal activist John Banzhaf III sent the FCC a petition asking that the agency not renew the broadcasting license for a Nevada-based radio station for using the name "Redskins." Banzhaf cites racism and derogatory hateful speech as reasons the term is "akin to broadcasting obscenity."
"We'll be looking at that petition, we will be dealing with that issue on the merits and we'll be responding accordingly," FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler told reporters.
"There are a lot of names and descriptions that were used over time that are inappropriate today. And I think the name that is attributed to the Washington football club is one of those," Wheeler added.
If the FCC were to deem the term indecent, it would be viewed as a pseudo-ban of the word on television and radio. Team owner Daniel Snyder has repeatedly refused to change the name of the team, calling it a term of "honor" and "respect." Snyder's opposition comes despite several U.S. Senate members asking the NFL to force a name change.
A handful of media members such as CBS' Phil Simms and Tony Dungy, Grantland's Bill Simmons and the editorial board of the Washington Post have stated that they will not be using the name any longer. However, others have do not believe it's a serious issue. Former Hall of Fame Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka said the debate is "so stupid it's appaling."
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office revoked the team's trademark registration in June due to concerns about racial insensitivity.
