Priorities: NFL's biggest problem is not the name of a football team

There was more fallout today from the continuing argument over the use of the term "Redskins" as it relates to the Washington, D.C., football team by the same name.

The idea, of course, because unless you have been under a rock, you already know the argument, is that the team name is offensive to those of Native American descent.

And now the FCC is considering a measure to block the use of the term on broadcasts -- and more than a few celebrity sports commentators have expressed their own disregard for the term and are refusing to use it.

This is not a debate on the merits of that case.

What is surprising is how much attention it is getting -- and how many more pressing issues exist in the National Football League in specific and in society in general.

While this argument rages, there are concerns about everything from head trauma that cripples players, to scandals involving high-profile stars who seem to think that laws do not apply to them -- or basic standards of decency for that matter.

And let's not forget the continuing concern over domestic violence in the league -- and the recent slew of charges levied at some players.

Perhaps the Redskins debate deserves attention, but it seems to be something that could wait a little longer.

It is a matter of urgency and priorities -- and what we really should be caring about right now and the standards we should be demanding.

Maybe we need to look at a culture that puts stars on a pedestal and excuses away their transgressions. Maybe we should consider a professional sports climate that even if it does not encourage this sort of behavior, certainly has not found a way to curb it.

Maybe we should think about the message we are sending to our young athletes.

After that, we can worry about a decades-old team name and take a thoughtful look at what to do about it.

Published in Editorials on October 1, 2014 10:44 AM