Sports shorts Supreme Court says law on offensive trademarks is unconstitutional

The Supreme Court on Monday struck down part of a law that bans offensive trademarks, ruling in favor of an AsianAmerican rock band called the Slants and giving a major boost to the Washington Redskins in their separate legal fight over the team name.

The justices were unanimous in saying that the 71-year-old trademark law barring disparaging terms infringes free speech rights guaranteed in the Constitution’s First Amendment.

The head of an Ohio American Indian group says the decision won’t affect efforts to get the Indians to change their Chief Wahoo logo and nickname.

Philip Yenyo, executive director of the American Indian Movement of Ohio, says he does not think Monday’s court ruling will help teams like the Washington Redskins and Indians keep monikers that some find offensive.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said earlier this year that he wants the Indians to transition away from using the red-faced, smiling logo.

The Supreme Court ruled in a case involving the rock band “The Slants” that the government can’t refuse to register trademarks that are considered offensive.

The former longtime Lakers player and front office executive credited Clippers coach Doc Rivers, Executive Vice President Lawrence Frank and owner Steve Ballmer with convincing him the other team in town was the right fit.

West called leaving Golden State one of the “saddest days of his life” because he thought he might be done. West had been with the Warriors since 2011 and the team has won two NBA titles during his time in the Bay Area.

The Clippers found a need for his help, and he found a new challenge. The Clippers have yet to win an NBA championship or advance to the Western Conference Finals.