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Despite poll, former Washington tackle Tre Johnson wants name changed

Tre Johnson with his helmet off

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Lineman Tre Johnson #77 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 10, 2002 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars beat the Redskins 26-7. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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When he was playing there, Tre Johnson was much like the 90 percent of Native Americans in yesterday’s Washington Post poll who declared themselves unbothered by the team’s nickname.

But after time and reflection, the former Pro Bowl offensive lineman and current history teacher at a Maryland high school has changed his mind, and thinks the name should change as well.

According to Liz Clarke of the Washington Post, Johnson began to rethink his position (or think about it the first time) when he was approached by a representative of the National Congress of American Indians two years ago.

“I was like, ‘Yeah, you’re right, if it’s something you find offensive,’ ” Johnson said. “I read a little bit more about it. And I was a culprit, as well. I was not as in tune culturally as a younger guy as I am now.”

Johnson said then he thought it should be changed, and when asked about the poll data, had questions about the methodology and the simple fact that even though some view it as a landslide, there was still that pesky group who did find it offensive.

“What about the 10 percent, then?” Johnson asked. “There are a lot of people in our culture today who are African-American and use the [n-word]. Well, I don’t want that used because it affects my kids and their view of the world and their view of themselves. I might be in the 10 percent of African-Americans on that, based on the use in music and movies today. But I still feel offended by that word, and I don’t want it used. I don’t want my kids and future generations thinking that term is acceptable or has any valid definition going forward in the 21st century.

“It all comes down to whether this is a majority-wins issue. Do we care about everybody? Or do we care about most people? Do we only care about the majority and the majority culture? This has been an argument of minorities for some time.”

And while he admits not being as concerned when he was cashing checks there, Johnson’s view is one held by others, despite the victory lap being taken by the team, which has apparently established an acceptable threshold for offense.