The Controversy Surrounding the Washington Redskins Name

 The history of the Washington Redskins goes back to the days before the NFL-AFL merger.  On the surface, many fans would hold the team in the same regard as Green Bay, Chicago and the New York Giants.  While Washington has a heritage and tradition that rivals any of the aforementioned franchises, there is one they hold that no other team does: a controversial nickname.

However, is the name Redskins really that offensive? 

Consider the fact there are several teams throughout major sports and college who carry a Native American moniker.  If Washington were to make a name change, who's to say the same would be expected of the Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians or Chicago Blackhawks? 

All of these teams maintain their names either based on honoring the legacy of the Native Americans or the simple fact that owners do not want to break from tradition.  The Redskins seem to fall in the latter category.  It has become such a hot button topic as of late that some reporters are refusing to use the term "Redskins".  Additionally, a symposium was recently held at the Smithsonian Institute discussing the insensitivity of the Washington name. 

It is safe to say that many people and especially the Washington fans are split on the subject; those who feel the name is offensive and those who haven't really given the issue much thought.  For now, it seems that the powers that be in Washington are standing firm with keeping their name.

From one perspective, if the name is really that offensive, why hasn't the Native Americans petitioned a lawsuit against the team?  Are they offended by the Redskins name or do they consider it an honor to be represented by a major sports franchise? 

This could be a touchy subject for years to come and one that could change the foundation of other teams around the country.  If the Redskins are forced to change their name, what will it mean for those other teams with Native American names and logos?

Are Charlotte 49ers NCAA Tournament Bound?

Charlotte 49ers defeat 11th-ranked Butler Bulldogs in Indianapolis to Keep NCAA Tournament Dream Alive

Charlotte handed Butler its first home loss of the
season Wednesday night. Butler entered the game ranked
No. 11 in the AP poll (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The Charlotte 49ers (18-6, 6-4) men's basketball team is officially on the NCAA Tournament's bubble. 

After defeating the 11th-ranked Butler Bulldogs, 71-67, in Indianapolis Wednesday night, the 49ers climbed to a very bubble-worthy 55th in RPI with six Atlantic 10 games remaining on their schedule.

Suddenly their 31-point loss to the second-ranked Miami Hurricanes doesn't look like quite as big of a stain on Charlotte's tournament resume.  Charlotte is 3-3 against teams in the RPI's top 50.

However, Charlotte's biggest win of the season comes on the heels of consecutive A-10 losses to VCU and Temple.

Fortunately for Charlotte, the 49ers will be favored in five of their six remaining conference games.

The 49ers could help their cause with a second-straight conference road win when they face the St. Louis Billikens Saturday night.  St. Louis is the final team Charlotte will play as an underdog.

Though Charlotte faces an uphill battle to participate in March Madness, the 49ers could get there by winning at least five more conference games and completing the regular season with a 23-7 record.

Of course, advancing beyond the quarterfinals of the 16-team Atlantic 10 tournament in Brooklyn will boost their chances of skipping the NIT.

A trip to the A-10 semis would almost assure Charlotte a ticket to the big dance.

South Carolina Gamecock Jadveon Clowney the Best Player in the Carolina's...At Any Level

Jadeveon Clowney's Monster Hit vs Michigan in the Outback Bowl Introduces the World to the Nation's Best College Football Player

Jadeveon Clowney (7) is the best football player in the Carolinas.
Source US Presswire

Jadeveon Clowney is the best football player in the Carolina's, and that includes the entire Carolina Panthers' roster.

So, you may think it's a stretch to rank the South Carolina Gamecocks' sophomore defensive end ahead of the Panthers' Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson, who each racked up double-digit sacks in 2012, much less Cam Newton and Steve Smith.

But it is true.  Luke Kuechly just led the NFL in tackles as a rookie but he is not the dominant force that is Clowney.

Clowney, AT&T's All-American Player of the Year, is a transcendent player along the lines of Julius Peppers. Only Clowney does not take plays off.

"The Clowney Hit" Source Getty Images.

For those who did not already know about him, the Rock Hill, South Carolina native introduced himself to the nation with the hit seen 'round the world, a.k.a. "The Clowney Hit," against Michigan running back, Vincent Smith, in the Outback Bowl on Jan 1.

After officials incorrectly credited the Wolverines with a fourth-down conversion despite coming up two chain links short midway through the fourth quarter, Clowney decided to take matters into his own hands.

At 6'6" and 250 pounds, Clowney used his speed to blow past a pulling guard, collided with Smith five-yards deep in the backfield as he took the hand off, and drove into the Michigan running back with such force that his helmet popped off like a Dec. 31 champagne bottle cork.

Of course, Smith fumbled the ball, too, and Clowney scooped it up with his left hand as if it were a loaf of bread, rightfully returning the ball to the Gamecocks offense.

In one play, Clowney displayed all of the tools which made him a great high school player at Rock Hill's South Point High School, whice make him a dominant player at the NCAA level and which will make him an All-Pro at the next level.

However, because of a rule that states players who enter the NFL draft must be three years removed from high school, the 19-year old Clowney will not be allowed to take his talents to a professional franchise for another year.

While that may be bad news for the nation's best football player under 20, it is worse news for opposing SEC running backs, quarterbacks and offensive lineman who have to line up against him for one more season.