Just when we think things can’t get anymore ridiculous regarding the Redskins’ name, a United States District Judge, Peter Jo Messitte, has refused to use team’s name in a 21 page ruling in a lawsuit brought by a former Redskins’ player.
“Pro Football’s team is popularly known as the Washington ‘Redskins,’ but the Court will refrain from using the team name unless reference is made to a direct quote where the name appears,” Messitte wrote in the opinion. “Pro Football’s team will be referred to hereafter simply as ‘the Washington Team.’”
During open court proceeding lawyers were instructed by the Judge to not use the name Redskins because it’s offensive. Judge Messitte presides in the Maryland District of the federal courts. Judge Messitte has dismissed some parts of the lawsuit brought by New York Giants linebacker Barrett Green against Redskin tight end Robert Royal, accusing him of intentional injury to his knee during a game in 2004.
Meanwhile, Senator Chap Petersen and Delegate David Ramadan continue to defend the Redskins’ name as do many of our state senators and delegates. I can’t help but wonder, where does Senator Mark Warner stand on this issue?
