Original version

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

Migrated podcast image for: Sportshour

Sportshour

Sport

Live Saturday morning global sports show with reports, debate and humour

Live Saturday morning global sports show with reports, debate and humour.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

Sportshour: Washington's NFL team agree to change their name

Discussion & Talk

washington.jpg

18/07/2020 GMT

Washington's NFL team agree to change their name

BBC World Service - Sportshour, Washington's NFL team agree to change their name

We discuss the Washington Redskins decision to change their controversial name and logo.

“What story are we telling about America?” – Washington’s NFL team agree to change their name.

We discuss the Washington Redskins decision to change their controversial name and logo following years of opposition from Native American communities and recent pressure from major club sponsors. Mark Trahant - who is a member of Idaho’s Shoshone-Bannock Tribe and editor of Indian Country Today - tells us the name was offensive because “it came from the era when natives were sold by body parts”. He also recalls being told by his father as a six year old boy not to use the ‘R word’ and he believes all teams that use Native American words and symbols will eventually have to change their names. The “Washington Red Tails” is among the favourites to be the team’s next name and we’re joined by Martin McCauley, who owns the trademark to that name along with a host of others. The Washington fan tells us all about his unusual hobby of trademarking potential team names, how he won’t stand in Washington’s way if they want to use one of his names and he explains why he’s hired a lawyer this week.

The former NBA player calling for the current season to be abandoned - Etan Thomas played for the Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder and Atlanta Hawks during his professional career. He's now calling on NBA commissioner Adam Silver to cancel the current season due to the risks associated with playing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thomas says of Silver "Valuing the lives of human beings over economic motivations is a concept that is absent from Donald Trump. You are not him."  He also tells us it’s “tragic” that Elena Delle Donne, who suffers from chronic Lyme Disease, was denied the opportunity to opt out of the upcoming WNBA season.

2082 miles on an exercise bike while shielding from coronavirus and battling stage 4 bowel cancer - Keith Farquharson recently completed the 2018 Tour de France course on an exercise bike to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. He chose the 2018 course as that was the year he was first off work with cancer and he watched the race live on TV. He says he juggled the virtual race, with working full-time, a young family and having cancer treatment.

We check in on the second test between England and West Indies. Former West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite joins us to discuss the latest action in the test, the series so far and living in a bio-secure bubble in order to be at the ground.

Following a big week off the pitch for Manchester City we’re joined by broadcaster Natalie Paweleck to discuss the club’s FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal, the clubs hopes of ending this season with three trophies and if their victory at CAS could see Pep Guardiola extend his stay as manager.

And this week’s Sporting Witness tells the story of David Beckham signing for LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer back in 2007.

Image: American Indian Movement protest the Washington Redskins as they arrive in town to play the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile HIgh in Denver, Co.(Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Sportshour

Washington's NFL team agree to change their name

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

About BBC World Service