Story Published:
Mar 11, 2010
Story Updated:
Mar 15, 2010
WASHINGTON – A superstar Native American football player says he won’t pre-emptively turn down any potential draft offers from the Redskins football team. At the same time, a group of Indian litigants is pressing harder to prevent “redskins” trademarks across the nation.
In recent days, much attention in the sports world has focused on Sam Bradford, the University of Oklahoma quarterback who is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and where he might end up when drafted into the National Football League. He’s expected to be a top 10 pick in early April.
Some analysts have predicted that the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner’s prowess on the field will make him especially attractive to the Washington Redskins, since the team has struggled for so many years and is in need of a strong quarterback.
Bradford was asked Feb. 27 by a sports reporter at the NFL scouting combine whether he would have a problem being drafted to the Redskins. The team has been mired in a lawsuit since 1992 brought forth by Indian plaintiffs who’ve argued that the team’s trademark is racist. Bradford is the first Indian to win the Heisman.
“That’s not something I have to worry about right now,” Bradford told the Free Lance-Star of Fredericksburg, Va., echoing statements he’s made in the past. “If that’s something I have to face later on down the road, I will.”
When asked whether he would consider asking the Redskins not to draft him, the paper said “he laughed it off and said, ‘Uh, no.’”
To Philip Mause, the lead lawyer of a case involving several Indian plaintiffs suing the owners of the team, Bradford is a person his clients might wish to consider reaching out to.
“He could be a potential advocate,” Mause said. “I would leave it to the plaintiffs to decide if they wish to reach out to him.”
Richard Guest, a legal expert with the Native American Rights Fund who’s long monitored the case, said it’s reasonable to conclude that Bradford is aware of the controversy, so he may wish to be keep a low profile on the issue – especially when pursuing a lucrative contract.
“He doesn’t want to harm his chances, and we can’t assume he’d want to take on this issue just because he’s Native American,” Guest said.
“No matter what, it could be helpful to have him inside the NFL, interacting with the non-Indian players and coaches, giving them more of a sense of who Indian people are.”
In November, a group of Indian plaintiffs who had been pressing for years to get the trademark removed learned that the Supreme Court would not consider the merits of their case.
To make a stronger case given previous court rulings, six younger Indian plaintiffs who range in age from 18 to 24 have now been assembled and have filed a similar suit, Blackhorse v. Pro-Football, to once again challenge the team’s trademark.
Tribal elders, psychologists, historians and others have presented evidence that the name is harmful, noting that it is a derogatory reference to American Indians, and has been historically used in a similar way that the word “nigger” has been wrongly used toward blacks. Historically, too, the word “redskins” was used by the U.S. government as a way to refer to bounties placed on scalped Indian heads.
Mause said the Bradford situation is one way that this case continues to be noticed by the general public. He said increasing numbers of supporters have come to agree with the Indians’ argument in recent years.
Mause also recently filed letters of protest with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to argue that six trademark applications based on the “redskins” name filed since 1992 should be rejected.
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Joseph Morsette said on Thursday, Mar 25 at 1:05 PM
For those of you that do not think "Redskins" is derogatory, then why not change the team name to the Washington "Whiteskins" and use a Pilgrim. Think about that one.
40007724Ray said on Wednesday, Mar 24 at 12:54 PM
Do you think he really cares?
39926699Dakota said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 11:38 PM
Don't pay her no mind (Anonymous) she's just hangin' around lookin' for a "cause"! really sad!!
39508224rezzie said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 5:34 PM
Quit mixing sports with politics.
39480474Brandon said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 6:01 PM
Well Anonymous, you just showed your ignorance and you have "friends"? Eh, must be white or black I guess. My family liked watching the Cowboys & Ndns Play (Notice I didn't use that term?) every year because we don't mind the logo but the name is akin to the n word. I'd dare you to call an ndn it. Also, I am pretty sure both Anons are the same person. Ignorance is bliss I 'spose. Why not change it to Washington (D.C. not the state) Colonials? Use a Pilgrim.
39418176Anonymous said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 4:40 PM
What part of Redskin is derogatory? We have people of color in this and many nations. We have black skinned people We have yellow skinned people We have red skinned people We have white skinned people Red Yellow Black White---you recognize the significance? The great creator made them all and we should honor all. If we cannot say redskin then next we cannot say blackskin, then whiteskin then yellowskin. This is how people get so politically correct they can not even describe and refer to things without fifteen groups of people taking offense. There are much more important issues at stake that need real action to address the inequities our first nations have suffered. Please I can understand we all need a cause but lets pick on that will do the most good and concert efforts there. So what?
39413811Anonymous said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 4:33 PM
Not only do many not have a problem with the team being called Redskins, many actually are in favor of keeping it as is. Everywhere across this nation references to first Americans, rivers, towns, meeting places etc are changed from names that invoke thoughts of the redman and woman and their nations. Keep it up an pretty soon nothing will be named to remind or reinforces that they were here originally. I agree with those that said stop being thin skinned and Being a diehard Skin fan, bieng part American Indian & having a bunch of Amer. Indian friends that are fans as well, over here in Southern Cal. none of us have a problem w/ the logo, name, nada. As a matter of fact, some of my friends that are Natives like the team cuz of the name & logo. So stop cryin' & hatin'! I am quite sure there is no disrespect intended in the name & logo. If you do your history on the team, they started out in Boston as the Braves just like the baseball team!- Stop hatin'
39413389james o wahwassuck said on Monday, Mar 15 at 4:49 PM
leyenda de los naguales deoses/bradford pulled you into his dream/you stop to count kernels and he runs runs with the bag of grain under his arm/he will change when he needs to elude you/he took your mind.
39277456james o wahwassuck said on Monday, Mar 15 at 3:54 PM
bradford /el hombre chucha es uno zorro!the opossum wears the skin of a fox.some indian hunters you are.
39274046Karma2 said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 6:46 PM
There have been many Indians in the NFL over the years. Brett Favre is Choctaw-- Philip Martin even honored his father after his death, which says a lot if you know anything about Philip Martin. Allen Barbre, who had such a rough run on the Packers line this year, is an enrolled member of a federal tribe. There was a Mashpee player for the Saints. I'm sure there are plenty of others I don't know about. I'm not sure why everyone's hung up on Bradford. He's just a kid, and one who has been alienated from his ancestry a little bit, but always humble about it, and it's not fair to expect him to be as conversant on this subject as people who have committed their lives to studying Indian issues or who were raised in their traditions. He's a football player. I'm mostly a little worried that the Redskins will target him in the draft to validate their use of the mascot-- I hope they don't use the poor kid that way. I'm mad that he's in this position.
39229159Kyle said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 3:17 PM
Don't forget Jim Thorpe- multiple gold medalist, first NFL President, Oklahoman American Indian- played for the first all American Indian football team back in the day. They had a fictional tribal name, and would have Native American based halftime shows. Despite what the US government did to our people, we are still here, we fought hard, forced them to sign treaties, and they often could only beat us by altering the environment (re: Comanche horse slaughter; Plains Indians buffalo slaughter). I will not comment on the term Redskin, but Washington state is a beautiful state with a solid American Indian presence to this day. Bradford's the man, let him play ball and he will let his mind be known when the time is right.
39222644Dakota said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 2:25 AM
Yeah, I seen that too... I guess it's just a matter of how you "read" his reaction. How would you have reacted? with humility? with arrogance? or would you have felt the stigma of not knowing how to react? Who knows! whatever the case, let's at least give the kid some due here!..I think he's earned it! Why is it that you feel the need to find something, anything, wrong or negative about his accomplishment? This is directed to you Native 1. By the way..what the heck does his blood quantum have to do with anything!!? If that's such a big deal to you then,...what's yours!?
39205046Native1 said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 1:13 AM
He didn't show much excitement at the Heisman trophy acceptance when ESPN guy mentioned him being native, so why would you think he will claim it now??? What's his blood quantum?
39203824Dakota said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 12:24 AM
You know, I watched Sam almost every game with Oklahoma and this kid is impressive! He has that confidence but not the arrogance most players do. The fact of the matter is that not too many of our youth follow through with the path we've tried to lay before them..and it's not always because they didn't want it bad enough..most likely, it was financial. For Sam to be where he is, is something we should all be proud of. It goes to show that no path is unattainable. Where ever he signs, and I've had a change of heart on this one, he can do us all proud if he only keeps his mind in touch with his heart..and never forgets his heritage...I'm sure he will make us all proud no matter what. May the Creator watch over you on the field kid!
39202769james o wahwassuck said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 2:51 PM
the cherokees lost their corn long ago/lost their land/lost their identity/never to regain it again/tons of beads and feathers no help/the only thing left is their negro heritage.we suffer no loss.
39187126Tell the Truth & Shame the Devil said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 1:27 PM
Let’s get back to topic: the future of Sam Bradford and his selection of a NFL team! Godspeed on your journey, Sam! Racism and Hatin’ We (Skin to Skin) treat each other like bottom feeders and idiot Injuns and because of this disrespect and contempt it’s so easy for power base (the government, corporations and the public) to follow like-wise. Talking smack and trash about other minorities is truly taking the bait…hook line and sinker. I know there are plenty of “Beltway Indians” that have lost touch with their identity but still wish to hold onto the pedigree…for the benefits that result. The only “REAL SKINS” are the ones that reside on the rez, speak their native language and participate in the customs and beliefs. The joke about your daughters looking too Indian fell flat and I’m sorry!!! I really want to know what does looking too Indian look like?
39184169the big native said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:07 AM
i just hope he does good. even if he plays for the redskins. if you have a second, google chief zee.one of the most ignorant looking unofficial mascots. you figure a black guy would be more informed.this is the equivalent of wearing black face.
39163664Brandon said on Friday, Mar 12 at 10:40 PM
He's Cherokee/Tsalagi, what should we have expected ? lol I don't control his life.
39160376tom quill said on Friday, Mar 12 at 10:31 PM
i don't speak english, i speak american.
39159906james o wahwassuck said on Friday, Mar 12 at 8:29 PM
cortez took his marina/lewis&clark took their sacagawea/this guy left his trail of tears for a trail of cheers/really how many indians are half irish/half black/this mascot is real.
39155266Wow the Dude said on Friday, Mar 12 at 7:55 PM
The Dude below is another cream of the crop of Rednecks and sad example of a human being. Wow.
39153879walking eagle said on Friday, Mar 12 at 6:33 PM
he'll be just another one of those!
39150396OU graduate in D.C. said on Friday, Mar 12 at 5:23 PM
Thanks for taking the bait. You have proved suckers and other bottom feeders are still easy to hook. Racism toward Indian people is a reality. Thank you for proving it. Bradford coming to DC may or may not prove to be a good thing. Alot of Native people will we watching how he takes on the mascot issue. Especially here in D.C. If he does come here "just for the money," and gets hurt, he can be the living mascot.
39146644redearth1 said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:30 PM
It is one thing to be a skilled collegiate athletic leader. It is another thing to be a young man who happens to be Cherokee. It is yet another to be true leader of people. I cannot hitch any hope to young Mr. Bradford that he will make a principled decision about for whom he will play. I know nothing of who he is or how he was raised. I do know there are many non-Indians who are actively dismissive of those opposed to Native American stereotypes and racist names and mascots. It is apparent there are plenty of Native dismissers as well, along with those who think there is no connection between institutional racism and the use of drugs and alcohol by Native people. Just because it is not a direct line to each troubled youth does not mean racism should be tolerated. I am an accomplished elder who has done a lot of good for a lot of people and am confident with who I am. Yet when I am exposed to racist mascots I am concerned for the sons and daughters of my people. Mvto
39139664A Proud Indian said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:19 PM
Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil is a perfect example of the obnoxious Redneck who continues to show there is much work yet to be done. Laughing out loud and saying it was just a joke cannot be applied to this quandary were are in. Respect is a two-way street and this person deserves none. Quoting my Gramma in English, "To be an Indian (Lakota) is a rough life." This post by Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil personifies ignorant racism in these United States. Go away.
39138986OU graduate in D.C. said on Friday, Mar 12 at 12:41 PM
It is true there are problems in Indian country more devastating than the mascot issue. But there is also a dispreportionate rate of low self esteem with Indian youth particularly in urban areas such as Washington D.C. where Indian children are the minority of minorities. My two young daughters are victims of name calling, taunting and being rediculed for the fact - they look Indian. In a recent school bus incident an overwhelming group of black students were calling my daughter cruel names including "filthy RED SKIN." She came home crying, confused and overwhelmed. She will have this experience as a mental scar for the rest of her life. As a father tears filled my eyes. Wrong is Wrong.
39127456just my thoughts!! said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:28 PM
I wish that all the time, money, resources energy and human capital that has been put into the "stop the redskins" movement could have been use to stop drug and alcohol abuse, increase suicide and dropout prevention and create jobs in Indian country. I do not know of One Native who took their first sip of alcohol or blew their brians out because of the washington "Redskins". This is a side issue that is used to keep time and energy from being focused on the MAJOR issues. I would love for these so-called "psychiatrist" to come on to the Rez and ask the local drunk/crackhead to explain how the washington redskins turned him into a drug addict. Please, please people focus on Natives who do not have running water or electricity, can not afford phones, have fallen down homes and are fighting obesity and diabetes. How about the fed gov't honor their treaty obligations?? Now those are issues to go to court about. Feel Good issues DO NOT put food on the table!!
39096879Cardinal Fan said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:09 PM
If he goes to Washington, imagine the money he could raise for Native causes? I see $1000 a plate fundraising dinners in his future. I hope he utilizes his fame and talent to help Indian Country. And, although I am a big fan, I wish Brett Farve (Choctaw) would do more.
39096089little eagle said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 9:32 PM
i personaly think sam bradford should sign with the red skins, because of all the ones who are protesting against the "name". if they were named the "red savages", then alright. but i think ppl have too much time on their hands and need to focus more on their own lives instead of making a fuss over every little thing. just like the AIM followers, if they still have a problem with the USA, they should join forces with Al Qaida or Hamas or the Taliban...if they havnt already.
39094531BobbyLong Bow said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 8:40 PM
Sam. I am decended from a long line of Shawnee, though not enrolled. The suggestion I would make would be to follow your own culture and teachings and disregard all the racist comments. Follow your heart.
39092446Dakota said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 7:31 PM
I totally agree w/honoridians on this one. Sure there are many more issues that we all face as Native people...this is by no means less important. "redskin" does invoke racist attitude..at least around here it does and when my Children become victims of it..then it sure as heck gets me angry. Sam...I wish you the best of luck in the NFL..but I truly hope it isn't w/that Washington team! Hey! Seattle could use your kind of talent!! just a thought!
39089104soachief said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 6:57 PM
HonorIndians: I understand your point and agree that it is an MAJOR issue, but our young people are dying from drugs, alcohol, and suicide at alarming rates. I think that is import to address as well
39087224soachief said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 6:53 PM
While the issue of racism may still exist with the Washington team, the Bradford scenario is mute if he is selected #1 in the draft by the St. Louis Rams. Our people will still be hurting no matter what happens with Sam. soachief@redeaglesrvcs.com
39086996HonorIndians said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 6:46 PM
To all my tribal friends and relatives: To those that think that there are other issues more pressing or think that it is ok to have our culture and traditions mocked and diminished by non Indians for their foolish pleasure I ask you: How will you explain to our children that struggle with understanding their cultural identity that is ok for an outstanding young tribal citizen to humiliate their culture by being the face of the most racist francise in all of sports? How do you explain the newspaper headlines "Redskins draft new Chief" and "Redskin's new Chief scalps Cowboys" or "Chief Bradford and his Redskins Go On the Warpath"? Please tell me how this will help with our youth and the problems that they are facing? He can be a strong example of courage and leadership by telling the NFL that he will not tolerate the perpetuation of ignorance and stereotypes by associating his name with "Redskins." Again I urge Sam Bradfor: SAY NO TO WASHINGTON REDSKINS!
39086519soachief said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 4:37 PM
I have watched the Washington team from time to time over the years, enjoying certain players. I also admire young Brandford's ability as a quarterback and think he has the potential and chance to have a great impact for native americans. However, I do not think that this is the most pressing issue we face at this time. The issues on many a rez, suicide, drugs, alcohol, the basic neccessities of life (heat, food, etc) are more important at the present time than worry about a temas trademark and logo. Why not unite around and put more effort into saving our people , language, and heritage. There will always be racism to deal with so it can wait.
39078164Cardinal Fan said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 4:17 PM
The first time I heard about the Mascot "issue" was when I got to college. To me it seemed like a huge waste of resources. The students would get together and protest every time the Fighting Illini would come to town. But, those same students would be absent when it came time to tutor our Native youth or volunteer on weekends to help on the nearby reservations. Real work that makes a real difference. I really can’t believe that with everything else going on, both positive and negative, in Indian Country this is still an issue. Personally, I like that they use us as Mascots. As warriors, we were universally respected for not only our ferocity, but our strategy, tactics and defiance. We were Fierce (and not in the Bobby Trendy way)! And that is something I’m proud of. I do hope AZ picks him up though. We need a good quarterback. Plus the fact he is Indian would sell a lot of tickets down here.
39076901Shivwitts said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 4:10 PM
Of course it is not racist when you are looking from the outside and your traditions (football)are already in place. Did you think for one second that the reason they dressed as natives during the Boston tea party was to put blame to the natives, not to adore them. They were used as a scapegoat then and were not respected then. So it is racist only if enough poeple deem it so? How can one deem what is racist? If racism is accepted then it still is such. Make it right for all people or wrong for all. True most people i know tribal or not do enjoy Washington's football team but look at this i know lots on the rez who think its okay to do drugs and being alcoholic is part of being an ndn. Because these think it makes it right? Because they like the redskins, its alright? Ignorance never helps anything and affects both sides.
39076489MicMac said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 4:01 PM
I am Native American and Proud of it. But this is Bull#@*&. Get over it People !! It's only a name of a Football Team and shouldn't be taken as being negative towards Indians. Stop being so THINSKINED and worry about something else.
39075766RedskiNation said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 1:39 PM
Being a diehard Skin fan, bieng part American Indian & having a bunch of Amer. Indian friends that are fans as well, over here in Southern Cal. none of us have a problem w/ the logo, name, nada. As a matter of fact, some of my friends that are Natives like the team cuz of the name & logo. So stop cryin' & hatin'! I am quite sure there is no disrespect intended in the name & logo. If you do your history on the team, they started out in Boston as the Braves just like the baseball team!- Stop hatin'!
39066274tsalagi said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 12:46 PM
One question - If it was any other color of skin (ie, yellowskins, blackskins, whiteskins, brownskins etc) would it be tolerated or accepted? Uh-no.
39062421artmonkid said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 12:32 PM
The Redskins were originaly from Boston. The Redskins were chosen as a symbol for that city because before Independence a group of men, protesting against English imposed taxes on tea dressed like Native Americans and threw tea to Boston Harbor. This incident is known as the Boston tea party. It is an American symbol and by no means is it a racial or unrespectful to Natine Americans, on the contray, it is a symbol which I think is inclusive. Native Americans called themselves Redskis. You don't see people of Nordic origin complaining about the Vikings.
39061389HonorIndians said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:55 AM
Sam Bradford commands the same type of respect as John Elway and Eli Manning, if not more, being a Heisman Trophy Winner. Both Elway and Manning told the Colts and Chargers NOT to draft him. He would not be the first to tell a team not to draft him. This is also not about money. He had a chance last year to be the top draft choice and command multi millions, but HE choose to stay at Oklahoma for non-money reasons. He will make millions throughout his career. He could make an invaluable impact by exposing the Washington team and the NFL by making this stand. No other tribal citizen can have the type of impact that he commands at this moment in history. I know he didn't ask for this type of pressure or attention, however, he is at the right place and moment in history to make an enormous impact on the perception and image of modern tribal citizens. I can only imagine the marketing and imagery he will be put in if he signs with Washington. Sam Bradford: SAY NO TO WASHINGTON!
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