Bailey, Tyson condemn "Redskins"

Champ Bailey: Controversial ‘Redskins’ name like N-word

By Jarrett BellCount Champ Bailey amid the growing number of people who believe that it is time for Washington’s NFL franchise to change its controversial name.

The New Orleans Saints veteran cornerback, who broke into the NFL as Washington’s first-round pick in 1999, told USA TODAY Sports that the racial insensitivity of the word “Redskins” is reason enough for the team to make the bold move of changing the name.

“When you hear a Native American say that ‘Redskins’ is degrading, it’s almost like the N-word for a black person,” Bailey told USA TODAY Sports. “If they feel that way, then it’s not right. They are part of this country. It’s degrading to a certain race. Does it make sense to have the name?”

Bailey, a 16th-year veteran with 12 Pro Bowl selections on his resume, is one of the most prominent NFL players to take a stand on the polarizing issue.Mike Tyson: What's the Difference Between Washington 'Redskins' and 'Black C**ns'?The Washington "Redskins" is no less offensive than a team name like the Washington "Black Coons," said Mike Tyson at a Turning Stone Casino Resort event on June 5.

Tyson was at Turning Stone last week for several events, including “Kings of the Ring: A Conversation with Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes” on June 4, and ESPN Friday Night Fights, promoted by Iron Mike Productions, on June 6.

Watch a video of Tyson discussing the need to end the use of the racial slur “redskins” as the mascot and name of the NFL team:

Tyson, a former heavyweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame member, debuted as a professional promoter during the 2013 season finale of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. The legendary fighter has strong roots in Upstate New York, having trained with the late Cus D'Amato in Catskill as a teenager, and has established Turning Stone as his hometown ring.