Bob Costas found himself in a controversy over the nature of the Washington Redskins’ name, which has stirred debate amid the NFL team’s refusal to change its moniker.
During his half-time essay segment during NBC’s Sunday Night Football telecast of the Redskins-Dallas Cowboys game, Bob Costas parsed the uproar over the Redskins and other sports franchise names that have been seen as insensitive in the modern era to various minority groups.
Bob Costas noted that some teams have adjusted their names over the years in light of modern-day sensitivities, including other teams dubbed “Redskins”, a derogatory term for Native Americans.
The NBC Sports anchor, an influential voice in the sports world, acknowledged that the name is used with “benign” intent in the present day by the team and its owner, Daniel Snyder. But he left no doubt about his reasoning on why there is a public campaign to pressure the team to change the name.
Bob Costas found himself in a controversy over the nature of the Washington Redskins’ name
“Think for a moment about the term <<Redskins>>, and how it truly differs from all the others. Ask yourself what the equivalent would be, if directed toward African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, or members of any other ethnic group,” Bob Costas said.
“When considered that way, <<Redskins>> can’t possibly honor a heritage, or noble character trait, nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent. It is fair to say that for a long time now, and certainly in 2013, no offense has been intended. But, if you take a step back, isn’t it clear to see how offense <<might>> legitimately be taken?”
Robert Quinlan “Bob” Costas, 61, is on the air for NBC Sports television since the early 1980s.
He has been prime-time host of a record 9 Olympic games.
He also does play-by-play for MLB Network as well as hosting an interview show called Studio 42 with Bob Costas.
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Jerry Sandusky admitted he showered with young boys but said he is not a paedophile during a phone interview last night on MSNBC.
In his first interview since the child sex scandal broke, Jerry Sandusky said: “I say that I am innocent of those charges.
“I have horsed around with kids, I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact.”
When asked directly by Bob Costas from MSNBC: “Are you a paedophile?”, Jerry Sandusky replied: “No.”
The former Penn State coach denied inappropriate sexual contact with children.
Jerry Sandusky admitted he showered with young boys but said he is not a paedophile during a phone interview last night on MSNBC
When asked by the interviewer about the allegations made by Penn State assistant coach Mike McQueary – that Jerry Sandusky had raped a young boy in the locker room showers – responded: “I would say that’s false.”
When asked about Mike McQueary’s motivation for making such claims, Jerry Sandusky said: “You would have to ask him.”
With the allegations surrounding him, Jerry Sandusky was asked if he had felt “persecuted”. The former coach replied: “I don’t know what to say. These have not been the best days of my life.’
Jerry Sandusky also said that Joe Paterno, Penn’s State’s legendary head coach who was fired in the wake of the scandal, did not ever speak to him directly about his behaviour.
He said he felt “horrible” about the effect the sex abuse scandal has had on the university and its football program, adding: “I don’t think it’s my fault but I played a part in this.”
When asked by Bob Costas what he wished he had done differently, Jerry Sandusky said: “I wish I hadn’t showered with those kids.”
Jerry Sandusky also denied that he was sexually attracted to children, saying: “I enjoy young people…I love to be around them.”
Then, Jerry Sandusky, who is charged with 40 counts of sexual assault, was asked if he was a “monster’.
The former coach said: “I don’t know what I could say that would make anyone feel any different.
“If people could hang on until my attorney has a chance to fight for my innocence. Obviously, it is a huge challenge.”
Jery Sandusky’s attorney, Joe Amendola also defended his client saying that he believes in his innocence and would “absolutely” allow his children to be around the former coach.
Jerry Sandusky was seen yesterday for the first time since his arrest last weekend. He was sitting in La Guardia domestic airport in New York City, eating from Dunkin’ Donuts and ignoring taunts from passers-by.
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