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We're writing an editorial for Wednesday about the Washington Redskins. The team prevailed in a lawsuit challenging its trademark on the name "Redskins" this week in so far as the U.S. Supreme Court declined on technical grounds to hear an appeal by the challengers.

In our editorial, we will urge the team to change its name and avoid future lawsuits. We have nothing against invoking Indians as mascots.  Indians, Braves, the Tribe all are decent team names that (usually) were adopted to honor and invoke characteristics perceived to be valuable on the sporting field -- strength, honor, teamwork, etc.

"Redskins" is different.  It is a derogatory term for a race of people. Its very origin was one to demean and insult Native Americans.

Besides, maybe a new name would help the team win a few games.

Congratulations to Jessee Vasold, William and Mary's first transgendered homecoming queen (and first at any Virginia university as far as I know). Congratulations, too, to the student body at one of Virginia's premiere public institutions of higher education for their bold choice.

Vasold identifies as "gender-queer," a catch-all term for those who identify with something other than traditional male or female gender roles.

Perhaps it inspired their football team, who crushed James Madison 24-3.

We're writing an editorial that will run later in the week about NCAA violations in Virginia Tech's men's soccer program. We'll commend the school for acting on its own to correct the admittedly minor infractions if with too much secrecy. We'll also wonder about whether this another manifestation of a Hokie community that has made sports success too important, elevating it above education.

Michael Vick, former Virginia Tech standout who was convicted of organizing a dogfighting ring, has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

I for one am disappointed in the team from Philadelphia. Yes, Vick did his time, but he also demonstrated that he is a reprehensible human being.  The Eagles, by signing him, demonstrate a disregard for the character of the people in their organization and who they elevate to be a role model. They have admitted that a sense of ethics and personal responsibility are not important in their players, in the people they elevate to be role models.

Zach Leibowitz at the Washington Post puts it very well:

There comes a point where character shouldn't be just an afterthought. It should matter. It should be ranked at the top of your list, like Brian Westbrook on your fantasy football draft board. These are the intangibles that matter in football. They matter in the locker room and in the community.