Allen Barbre understands the racist connotation behind the term ‘Redskins’ and as the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for Week 6 matchup against Washington, he’s taking a stand against the word.
The Philadelphia Eagles guard has Native American roots, as his great-great-grandfather was a Chief of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. His grandfather still lives on Tunica-Biloxi reservation. The nine-year NFL veteran told Mark Eckel of NJ.com due to his native heritage, he doesn’t use the Redskins name under any circumstances – instead opting for a more appropriate name.
“It’s probably offensive to some people, and I can see why,” Barbre said. “It’s certainly a derogatory term from back in the day, but I never put a lot into it.
“As a matter of fact, though, I just don’t say it. I don’t use the word.”
So how does he refer to this week’s opponent?
“I call them Pigskins,” he said.
Barbre appropriately expressed frustration at the lack of respect for Native Americans across the U.S. He openly wondered why there wasn’t a national holiday to pay respect. He’s not wrong. Native Americans don’t get enough respect across the country. Their treatment could be vastly improved in more than just the States.
Barbre said he hadn’t brought up Washington’s football team with his family and admitted their name doesn’t bother him. The decision is just a personal choice. With a Native American background, it’s no surprise he doesn’t want to use a derogatory phrase to represent a football team. It’s amazing it’s 2016 and there’s still an NFL team called the Redskins.
[NJ.com]
