Racist Fantasy Football Team Names Hurt More Than You Think.

Alright, alright, listen up, y’all. We gotta talk about somethin’ serious today. It’s about them… whatchamacallit… fantasy football team names. Yeah, those things.

Now, I don’t know much about this fancy football stuff. Never played it myself. Back in my day, we just threw a real ball around, none of this computer mumbo jumbo. But my grandson, that young whippersnapper, he’s all about it. And he showed me some of these names people use, and let me tell ya, some of ’em ain’t right. Not right at all.

We’re talkin’ about racist fantasy football team names. Yeah, you heard me right. Racist. Like, names that make fun of folks just ’cause of the color of their skin or where they come from. That ain’t right, y’all. That just ain’t right.

I seen some names, I can’t even repeat ’em here. They’re that bad. Names that use bad words, names that make light of slavery, names that just plain make me sick to my stomach. And folks think it’s funny? Humph. Ain’t nothin’ funny about hurtin’ other people.

Now, I get it, it’s just a game, right? Just a bit of fun. But words matter, y’all. They really do. Even if you don’t mean nothin’ by it, them words can still sting. They can still make people feel small and worthless. And that ain’t the kinda world I wanna live in.

• Think before you type: Before you go and put some crazy name down, just stop and think for a second. Would you say that to someone’s face? If not, then maybe don’t put it in your team name, ya hear?
• It ain’t just a game: Like I said, words matter. And just ’cause it’s a game don’t mean you can go around bein’ hateful. There’s real people on the other side of that screen, and they got feelin’s too.
• Teach your kids better: If you got young’uns playin’ this game, make sure they understand that racism ain’t okay. Teach ’em to be respectful and kind, even when they’re competin’. That’s how we make the world a better place, one little step at a time.

I heard tell that some places, like that ESPN place, they’re tryin’ to crack down on these bad names. Good for them, I say. They should. But it ain’t just up to them, y’know? It’s up to all of us. We all gotta do our part to stop this kinda thing.

And don’t even get me started on them team names that make fun of folks’ religion or who they love. That’s just as bad, far as I’m concerned. We’re all just people tryin’ to get by in this world. Why make it harder on each other?

This fantasy football thing, it’s supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to be a way to connect with friends and family, maybe talk a little smack, have a good laugh. But it ain’t fun when you’re makin’ other people feel bad. It ain’t fun when you’re spreadin’ hate and division. And it sure ain’t fun when you’re usin’ words that hurt people.

So, next time you’re sittin’ there thinkin’ up a team name, try to be a little bit kinder. Try to be a little bit more respectful. Think about the words you’re usin’ and the message you’re sendin’. ‘Cause like I said, words matter, y’all. They really, truly do.

And if you see someone usin’ a name that ain’t right, don’t just ignore it. Speak up. Say somethin’. Let ’em know that it ain’t okay. Maybe they don’t even realize they’re doin’ somethin’ wrong. Maybe they just need a little reminder to be a better person.

We all make mistakes, that’s just human nature. But we gotta learn from them mistakes, and we gotta try to do better next time. That’s what matters most at the end of the day.

This whole thing, this fantasy football, it’s supposed to bring folks together, not tear ‘em apart. It’s supposed to be about teamwork and friendly competition, not about hatred and bigotry. So let’s try to keep it that way, alright? Let’s try to make this little corner of the world a little bit brighter, a little bit kinder, a little bit more respectful.

And that’s all I gotta say about that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go make some supper. All this talk about racism and football has got me all riled up. Need a good cup of tea and some peace and quiet.