The Federal Communications Commission, a government agency that independently regulates radio and television broadcasts, is considering banning the moniker "Redskins" and punishing broadcasters who say it.

The petition started from John Banzhaf III, a law professor from George Washington University.

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He sent a petition to the FCC, asking them to strip the Washington D.C. radio station, WWXX-FM (ESPN), of its broadcasting license when it applies for a renewal.

Banzhaf states that the term "Redskins" is much like broadcasting obscenity and that it challenges the FCC's rules against indecent content. Native Americans have similarly felt enmity for the name, identifying it as a racial slur.

The FCC's Chariman, Tom Wheeler, said yesterday that the petition was under consideration and that they will be dealing with the issue on its merits and will respond accordingly.

He went on to say that there are a lot of names from before that were used over time and are now inappropriate. He agrees that "Redskins" is one of them.       

If the FCC favors Banzhaf's petition, it would mean that a ban would be made for the word, making it illegal to use it on television and radio. Broadcasters who would use the word would be subject to fines and possible suspensions.

There is a division of opinions on the matter. TV Football analysts Phil Simms and Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy have said that they would never use the term again.

However, Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka says that the issue is so stupid that it is appalling.

Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, has vowed though never to change the name of his team.

According to an interview last August, Snyder stated that the term was not a racial slur against Native Americans. Instead, he saw it as a term of honor and respect.

TagsWashington Redskins, FCC, Federal Communications Commission, John Banzhaf III