WATCH: ESPN’s Max Kellerman argues that Notre Dame’s ‘Fighting Irish’ nickname is offensive
By Adam Spencer
Published:
In today’s sports media landscape, it’s often only the loudest, worst takes that stand out among the crowd.
That’s where ESPN’s “First Take” comes in, as cohosts Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman often try to outdo each other’s bad opinions.
On Wednesday, though, Kellerman came up with an all-time bad take. While discussing news of the Cleveland Indians stopping the use of their popular “Chief Wahoo” mascot, Kellerman said the Notre Dame “Fighting Irish” mascot should be dropped, too:
“Many Irish Americans are not offended, but many are,” Kellerman said. “Should that also change? The answer is unequivocally yes. Pernicious, negative stereotypes of marginalized people that offend even some among them should be changed. It’s not that hard.”
To be fair, he’s at least in favor of the removal of mascots containing Native Americans, but the Fighting Irish thing may be a bit too far.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
