The Federal Communications Commission is currently considering a petition from legal activist John Banzhaf III that could have far-reaching implications for the Washington Redskins.
The petition is requesting that the FCC decline to renew local radio station WWXX-FM's broadcasting license because of the station's use of the name "Redskins". According to Banzhaf, the word is "racist, derogatory, profane and hateful", which makes it "akin to broadcasting obscenity."
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler indicated that he agrees with the sentiment behind the petition while speaking to reporters:
"There are a lot of names and descriptions that were used over time that are inappropriate today. And I think the name that is attributed to the Washington football club is one of those."
If the FCC decides that the team name is indecent, they would impose penalties on any radio station or television channel that broadcasts the name, effectively banning it from use in much of the media.
Broadcasters Phil Simms and Tony Dungy have both made an effort to stop using the team name over the air, while the Washington Post's editorial board has also started using alternative names when referring to the team. Owner Daniel Snyder has so far refused to consider changing the team name, calling it a tribute to Native Americans rather than a slur.
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