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D.C. Sports Bog

The NFL Shop thinks the Redskins play in … Washington state?

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On the left, the Seahawks, a team that plays in Washington. In the middle, the Redskins, a team that doesn’t. (Julio Cortez/AP)

Even in this mobile, transient, demographically complex era, state pride remains a wonderful thing, and so bless the NFL Shop for selling a line of “State Pride” license plates.

Many of them are perfectly appropriate, too. Like the Ravens one.

And the Saints one.

And the Titans one.

Texas is a bit complicated, as two teams are apparently competing for that state’s state pride. Although really the Cowboys should forfeit their home state, being the nation’s team, and also a team whose fans mostly haven’t been to Texas, etc., etc.

If Texas is claiming two teams, the Panthers are claiming two states. Weird, but whatever.

And then there’s the Redskins.

Let’s look at that one again.

Yes, that’s right.

THEY ARE CLAIMING STATE PRIDE FOR WASHINGTON STATE. HEY NFL SHOP, THE “WASHINGTON” IN WASHINGTON REDSKINS DOESN’T ACTUALLY REFER TO WASHINGTON STATE. HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A PLACE CALLED WASHINGTON, D.C.? TURNS OUT IT IS THE CAPITAL OF THIS COUNTRY WEIRD RIGHT? AND IT ISN’T ACTUALLY IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. THERE’S A DIFFERENT TEAM THAT PLAYS IN THAT STATE, AND REDSKINS FANS HATE THAT TEAM. ALSO GO TO GEOGRAPHY CLASS OR WHATEVER.

As everyone knows, the WASHINGTON Redskins actually play their games in … well, they actually play their games in Maryland. But as everyone knows, the WASHINGTON Redskins actually hold their practices in … well, they actually hold their practices in Virginia. But as everyone knows, at least the WASHINGTON Redskins actually stage their training camp in … well, that’s in Virginia too. But at least the owner lives … nope. But at least the players live … nope. But at least the team’s corporate headquarters … nope.

So okay, it’s a little confusing. Still. Whatever the team’s proper geographic orientation, it has nothing to do with Washington state. Plus, our Gonzaga is better than theirs.

Anyhow: Fix this.

(Via Jay.)