The Washington Redskins have been a loathsome franchise for quite some time now. Over 16 years, one of the NFL’s most prestigious and celebrated teams has steadily navigated itself to rock bottom and commenced digging. On Wednesday night, the excavation reached new levels.
The wife of Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan went on Twitter and asked ESPN reporter Dianna Russini how many times she had to give oral sex to get a scoop on the team. This tweet was shared by Black Sports Online, the account from which it came was deleted, and Redskins Senior Vice President of Communications Tony Wyllie told BSO that the account was fake.
Shortly thereafter, the Redskins released a statement on behalf of Jessica McCloughan, saying in part:
“I deeply apologize for the disparaging remarks about an ESPN reporter on my personal Twitter account.”
(AP)
This is a franchise that has become synonymous with unfathomable stupidity across all aspects of its organization. It’s a team who earlier this year claimed 7.8 billion people followed the team’s training camp.
There are 7.125 billion people on earth.
It’s a team who has defiantly refused to change its nickname amid claims of racism from Native American groups. A federal judge ordered the trademark canceled, and ruled the name may be disparaging. Reporters and columnists have refused to utter it. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has said the National Park Service won’t allow the team a new lease at hallowed RFK Stadium because of the nickname.
But owner Dan Snyder has said the team will “NEVER” change its name.
USA TODAY Sports
“As a lifelong Redskins fan, and I think that the Redskins fans understand the great tradition and what it’s all about and what it means, so we feel pretty fortunate to be just working on next season,” Snyder told USA TODAY Sports in 2013.
Maybe in 2013 people believed him. Certainly lifelong Redskins fans – just like Snyder (less $1.7 or $1.8 billion) – could appreciate their team’s owner standing resolute. Think of the history! Think of the legacy! Think of the tradition!
Yes, let’s think about the tradition for a minute. The Redskins are no longer the team Joe Gibbs built. Remember when the team brought back a three-time Super Bowl champion out of a 12 year retirement, watched him struggle through four seasons and then “retire” again after completing four years of his five-year contract?
USA TODAY Sports
This isn’t 1991. There isn’t a Super Bowl on the horizon. There isn’t a division title to play for. There isn’t even a franchise quarterback.
There are new traditions in Washington. Traditions of deception, embarrassment, and Jessica McCloughan has now added harassment to that list. There’s nothing to be proud of anymore, and there hasn’t been for a long time. Call them Redskins, call them the Washington Football Club, or call them something entirely different and it won’t change what they’ve become.
Embarrassing.
