A Diplomatic Solution for Redskins Controversy??

June 19, 2014June 19, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Washington Redskins find themselves in the crosshairs of controversy. There is no question that the term redskins is a derogatory term for Native Americans. This is an argument where you can see both sides of the case. For the Native Americans it is clear the “Redskins” name and logo is extremely offensive. Unlike other american franchises who use their mascots and names to show the nobel spirit of the native americans. Those who didn’t display native americans in a positive way, like the Cleveland Indians, have had either their offensive mascots removed or team names changed. Redskins was a phrase created to belittle and downgrade the Native American people as sub-human.

However, it’s not that easily cut and dry. Dan Schneider, the owner of the Redskins, has been on the record saying that he refuses to change the logo and name. I can understand why. It’s his team, he paid for it and should be able to decide what he wants to do with his team. Not to mention, the Redskins have had the same name since 1932. It has been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL and are one of the most recognizable teams on the planet. The name is offensive, but it has been the name for so long it would be hard for a franchise to change its identity after it has become one of the most successful franchises in the NFL.

Come on Washington! Isn’t this supposed to be the place for compromising between two different parties? Maybe not, but anyways there could be a possible solution to the problem in where both sides get something in return.

The Redskins want to keep their logo and name. I propose the following. Keep the name. Yes, I know it is offensive to Native Americans and will be subject to scrutiny until the name is completely removed.

The compromise would be that while the Redskins can keep their name they must remove their current logo depicting the Redskin. That way, their team memorabilia and uniforms will no longer be depicting Native Americans in a negative way. The good news is the Redskins may have the solution to this problem already. They have two great classic uniforms that look great and have logos not depicting a redskin.

These great throwbacks the solution?

The first would be the early 1970s uniforms depicted here. Not only do the red and yellow pop and look good with the classic stripes, but the logo is fantastic. The simple red R with the feathers on the side would be a great replacement for the current uniforms.

Back to the 60s

Option 2 would be the late 1960s jerseys. While they are darker with their red and gold color scheme, the uniforms are also a great looking set that could easily replace the current uniform. This logo features a Native American spear on the sides of the helmet and once again replaces the current offensive mascot.

Even this change will never fully stop the controversy until the name is completely changed. With the Redskins trademark now gone, the team could loss millions on merchandise and force the NFL to step in. If there’s one thing the NFL hates right now it is losing money. This step would be a step in the right direction. While Native Americans will never fully be satisfied that a team is called the Redskins, it could make it easier for them to accept the franchise if the logo depicting a redskin is removed. That way Schneider keeps his team name, and Native Americans will not have an offensive depiction on Redskins merchandise and helmets.

One thing is for certain,we will stay with this story and bring you the very latest here at Rich Sports Talk!

Time to go? Is RGIII wearing out his welcome?

January 7, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Robert Griffin the Third has gone from NFL poster boy, to the definition of NFL diva in one year. After a season riff with turmoil, RG III continues dumping kerosene on the fire that is the Washington Redskins. After a year of being called out by his teammates about his leadership and focus, RGIII has gone from savior to cancer. True this isn’t all his fault, his knee injury and Shannahan’s coaching issues were aspects that Griffin had no control over. However, RGIII became consumed in the brand that was RGIII. Sure he dominated the media market with countless commercials, but he forgot that with great athlete commercials, there must be great athletic performances.

Now after a terrible season, RGIII just continues to pile on the controversy. Even after getting Mike Shanahan fired, Griffin still continues to grab the limelight for the wrong reasons. He recently came out bragging to teammates about the influence he has on the team’s management. Owner Dan Schneider only confirms that notion by stating that Griffin will have input on who the next coach of the Redskins will be. I’m sorry, but it is clear that the inmate is running the asylum, and this never ends well. This is the NFL. This isn’t the NBA where one superstar is the difference, there are 52 other men that make a team. RGIII struts around as if he is the best quarterback in the league. But really what has he done? Sure he got the Redskins to the playoffs, but that’s it. He’s only had one winning season, been in the league two seasons, and hasn’t won a playoff game. Yet, he acts like he has done everything you can in the NFL. If anything, RGIII has a terrible legacy for now being a so-called “coach killer” and a diva. You can tell that his team doesn’t want to play for him anymore. They won’t help him up after plays and continue to talk about their quarterback’s poor leadership.

So what should the Redskins do? Some fans may not want to hear this, but the Redskins should try to get rid of RGIII. While this will probably never happen, because Daniel Snyder loves Griffin, it could be what’s best for this team. While they have given up three first round draft picks for Griffin, it would be addition by subtraction. Griffin has too much power in DC, power no player should have. His job is to play quarterback, not help pick the roster and coaching staff. When the inmates start to run the asylum, your organization is in trouble. Now the Redskins also have the issue of being an organization that is in chaos. What players would want to come play with a quarterback who is injury prone and is a diva? The Redskins also may be costing their organization a great coach. What coach really wants to come into a situation when their quarterback has so much power within the organization? RGIII could be costing the organization a great coach.

2014 will be a crucial year for RGIII. Not only does he have to get healthy and return to his rookie year form, but he also will be under a tremendous microscope. With all these offseason issues and drama in the nation’s capital, Robert Griffin must prove that he’s an elite quarterback. Not only on the field, but off the field. He has numerous bridges to repair in D.C. If RGIII can overcome this and become the quarterback he has the potential to be, it will be one of the greatest transformations in NFL history. If not, Griffin could be the next great bust in the NFL. What do you think? Will RGIII be a bust or will he regain his form? Is it in the best interest for the Redskins to get rid of him?

Turn back time: 5 NFL teams who should bring back classic uniforms

September 15, 2013September 20, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

The old saying that, “what’s old is new again in the fashion world” is a recent trend that sports teams seem to be following. Many professional teams are bringing back classic looks, or combining old and new aspects of team’s uniforms. Sometimes it’s for history while other times it’s to appease the fan base. Either way in the NFL, many teams such as the Bills, Vikings, and 49ers have followed this trend in the past few seasons with much success and fan approval. However, there are still a few teams who should strongly consider bringing back their classic jerseys and logos those fans would love to see again full-time.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Creamsicles

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder

So ugly they’re beautiful! They do say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While many Tampa fans associate this jersey with the club’s painful early days, including losing their first 26 games, since they have become throwbacks there has been an outcry to bring these jerseys back full-time. While I think these jerseys would look better with the new flag logo on the helmet instead of the winking pirate, without question the colors are what make the Buccaneers stand out. With so many teams having red and black color schemes already, why not go to a look nobody else has? Hey it may be different but these uniforms are clean, colorfully, and defiantly catch your eyes on television. If the Bucs ever went back to these full-time they would defiantly be making a statement with these bad boys. I say bring on the creamsicles!!

4) Washington Redskins: Change to avoid controversy

This classic look could satisfy both sides of the Redskins debate

Ok, so we all know that the word “Redskin” is offensive to Native Americans. We also know that the Redskins ownership has made it abundantly clear that they aren’t going to drop the “Redskins” namesake. What to do? How about a compromise? The Redskins can keep they’re name but have to drop the offensive Redskin mascot with the Indian chief head. But what will they wear? How about these beauties from the 60s. This jersey keeps the iconic colors but has the intimidating spear decals along the shoulders and on the helmet. Hey, defenses may get cower in fear if they see the RGIII arrow whizz right by them for another Redskins’ touchdown. Look, I think the Redskins are in a difficult situation right now, but with this uniform change it may help reduce the insensitive nature of the Redskins nickname. I see it as a win for everybody. The Redskins look great and intimidating, the ownership can keep the name, and Native Americans no longer have to see the insensitive mascot on the side of the helmet. Dear NFL, if you are reading this you should look into this solution.

3) Philadelphia Eagles: Kelly Greens

Simpler is better for the Eagles jerseys

Not to say I don’t like the Eagles current uniforms, but their classic kelly greens are a better option, in my opinion. The current jerseys have too much going on with the black, white, silver, dark green, and white. The Simple Kelly green and silver was both simple and elegant. Listen the eagles don’t even have to change their logo, just the colors and the jerseys. These uniforms have so much history and make you think of the legendary Eagles, such as Reggie White, that used to wear them. While I don’t see them going back to these full-time, I think a lot of Philly fans would like to see these babies full-time once again. The Kelly green is a great combination that the Eagles had and gave them a great look back in the day.

2) New England Patriots: Pat the Patriot

These jerseys scream patriotism

Robert Kraft, please bring these back! No jerseys scream patriotism louder than these classics. The red, white, and blue is well-balanced while the white helmets with their red, and blue stripes really pop. But what makes this uniform is the mascot. Nothing screams football like an American patriot in a three-point stance about the hike a football. Why should these be brought back? They’re leaps and bounds better than the Patriots current threads. Blue and silver? Not as patriotic as red, white, and blue. Silver helmet with a red face mask? Yawn. But the worst offense is the new mascot. A patriot head the looks like a bad Elvis? Really? This was better than Pat the Patriot? Do I want the intimidating PAt the Patriot looking to knock me over of the Patriot head with the bad hairdo?I think you know the answer to that one. Come on New England you’re the Patriots, you should bring back the jerseys that actually make you look like Patriots.

1) San Diego Chargers: Powder Blues

Why the Chargers don’t wear the best jerseys in the NFL is beyond me

In 1974, one of the greatest tragedies in sports occurred. The San Diego Chargers got rid of their powder blue jerseys as their primary jerseys. Why the Chargers got rid of, and to this day continue to, not wear their powder blue jerseys is one of the greatest mysteries in sports. The powder blue represents the city of San Diego perfectly as a city that is sunny and just goes with the flow. The lighting bolt that represents speed and those white helmets with the numbers on the side were so cool. Sure they do wear the powder blues from time to time and even have an updated version and have added elements of the originally jerseys into their current uniform set. But why not the real thing? The fans don’t deserve a substitute give them what they want! Heck if I was the Chargers I would ask the NFL if I could have my team wear these jerseys every game. So many people love these uniforms, they’re one of the greatest uniforms ever created in the history of sport. Bring back the powder blues now! Check out our poll and vote on the jerseys you want back in the NFL. Don’t forget to comment and follow!