Washington Defensive End Jason Hatcher: Referees "Single Us Out" Because Of Team Name

Washington got the shit kicked out of them by Cam Newton and the Panthers today. Newton tossed five touchdowns and generally ran all over everyone. Of course, Washington helped him out plenty, as they committed nine penalties for 68 yards, including a would-be pick-six that got called all the way back. Save for a late intentional safety, Washington would not score after that reversal.

Washington DE Jason Hatcher had a theory as to why the team couldn’t stop getting penalties, and it was, uh, refs don’t like our slur of a mascot name:

He does have a point here about the name. It’s not his fault that he plays for a team named after scalping Native Americans and it must be frustrating for anyone with a problem with the name to have to represent it. At the same time, I’m not sure that this factors into split-second officiating decisions.

Photo via AP