Phil Simms, legendary former New York Giants QB and current CBS NFL Analyst made the biggest news of NFL on CBS Media Day. As you no doubt have heard by now, CBS is leaving up to their on-air talent, whether or not they choose to use the name Redskins.
“I would say right now I probably won’t use it,” Simms told reporters a couple hours ago. “If it’s not a big deal, why use it and offend a few people?”
His colleague, James Brown has come out and said that he believes the name should be changed. Others, like Jim Nantz and Deion Sanders didn’t take a stand either way on this issue today.
Phil Simms is a man with strong opinions, and as such he tends to inspire passionate feelings from football fans who consume his work. I say kudos to Phil Simms for being on the right side of history with his stance.
Today’s media session began with CBS Chairman Sean McManus and NFL Media Executive Vice President Brian Rolapp giving a little opening statement and then doing some Q&A. I brought up the Redskins question, and you can hear it, and McManus’ response beginning right around the 2:45-2:50 mark in the podcast below.
Yes, it was hilarious, before I asked the question, what happened when I listed all my affiliations.
McManus said Monday the network would it allow their talent to use their own social conscience in deciding whether to use the Washington football team name or not.
“I have no stake in the game, as far as I didn’t play for them; I’m not a fan of the Redskins. I understand it’s an emotional decision, it’s an emotional part of their franchise,” Phil Simms said.
“If it offends people, then I don’t think a majority of people have to be offended by something before you change it.” {NJ.com}
Paul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports and Yahoo! He’s been a guest on news talk shows all across the world. He’s also a special contributor to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Banks has been featured in numerous media outlets including NFL.com, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Deadspin, ESPN, NBC, CBS, the History Channel and more. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)