ESPN Analyst Mike Ditka Says Washington Redskins Debate 'So Stupid It's Appalling'

Mike Ditka, former Chicago Bears coach and current ESPN analyst, has spoken out on the recent controversy regarding the Washington Redskins name, saying the debate is "so stupid it's appalling."

Ditka said in a recent interview with Mike Richman of RedskinsHistorian.com that he does not think the Washington Redskins should change their name to appease those who find the moniker to be offensive to the Native American culture. Ditka also applauded Redskins owner Dan Snyder for refusing the change the name despite calls from politicians, religious leaders and Native American tribes to do so.

"What's all the stink over the Redskin name?" Ditka asked. "It's so much [expletive] it's incredible. We're going to let the liberals of the world run this world. It was said out of reverence, out of pride to the American Indian. Even though it was called a Redskin, what are you going to call them, a Proudskin? This is so stupid it's appalling, and I hope that owner keeps fighting for it and never changes it, because the Redskins are part of an American football history, and it should never be anything but the Washington Redskins. That's the way it is," Ditka exclaimed.

The former coach of the Chicago Bears went on to call those who are fighting to change the name "silly — asinine, actually, in my opinion."

"It's all the political correct idiots in America, that's all it is," Ditka continued. "It's got nothing to do with anything else. We're going to change something because we can. Hey listen, I went through it in the 60s, too. I mean, come on. Everybody lined up, did this. It's fine to protest. That's your right, if you don't like it, protest. You have a right to do that, but to change the name, that's ridiculous. Change the Constitution — we've got people trying to do that, too, and they're doing a pretty good job."

Recently, the University of Minnesota, which is hosting the Minnesota Vikings at its field this season, encouraged the Washington Redskins to wear different uniforms that don't bear the Redskins name when they play at TCF Bank stadium in November. The United Church of Christ's Mid-Atlantic region has also voted to bocott Redskins names and memorabilia until the team changes its name.