Obama administration in 50 years later asked Sports Illustrated team owner to lift its racial ban . Thomas Smith : 1961 , President Kennedy said team name should be changed . He says diehard fans use history and tradition to defend offensive name and logo . but what if they were named 'the Drunken Irish ' ? '' Smith : Public opinion calls for racial sensitivity ; current owner will have to respond .
Obama administration in 50 years later asked Sports Illustrated team owner to lift its racial ban . Thomas Smith : 1961 , President Kennedy said team name should be changed . He says diehard fans use history and tradition to defend offensive name and logo . Smith : Public opinion calls for racial sensitivity ; current owner will have to respond .