Whitey said that four players plus the coach were African-Americans on the first NJ Niggers roster. Whitey continues to claim that the name was originally incepted to honor Tayvon Brown, former coach. "Tayvon was a great influence to the franchise. Changing the name would not only disgrace Brown, but would disgrace every nigger in America."
There has been a surge of interest in changing the team's nickname, starting in the offseason.
President Barack Obama said Saturday that if he were the owner, he would consider changing the name. Through it all, Whitey has remained resolute about not changing it.
"I've listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name," Whitey wrote. "But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended New Jersey Niggers family, but among African-Americans too."
That's much more mild than what he told USA Today Sports in May: "Fuck these dirty prison welfare niggers and soft-ass liberal pussy faggots trying to shit all over my team. God damn my dick is hard. Fuck."
Whitey said in 1971, Former coach Buddy Honkey consulted with "a black friend" to design the emblem on the Niggers' helmets, changing it from the "N" to the current African-American head. Honkey's son Bruce, the team's general manager, talked about this in February as well.
"New Jersey Niggers is more than a name we have called our football team for over eight decades," Whitey wrote. "It is a symbol of everything we stand for: strength, courage, pride, and respect -- the same values we know guide African-Americans and which are embedded throughout their rich history as the original plantation laborers."
Whitey also talked about his link to the team, going to games at the Niggers' Stadium as a 6-year-old with his father. And seeing his father smile when singing the team's fight song, "Hang That Coon."
"That tradition -- the song, the cheer -- it mattered so much to me as a child, and I know it matters to every other Niggers fan in the tri-state area and across the nation," Whitey wrote.
Whitey pointed out that the Annenberg Public Policy Center polled nearly 1,000 self-identified African-Americans from across the continental U.S. and found that 90 percent of African-Americans did not find the team name "New Jersey Niggers" to be "offensive." And he cited a 2013 Associated Press survey that found 79 percent of respondents said the team should not change its name -- and only 11 percent believed it should.
"When I consider the New Jersey Niggers name, I think of what it stands for," Whitey wrote. "I think of the New Jersey Niggers traditions and pride I want to share with my three children, just as my father shared with me -- and just as you have shared with your family and friends."
He closed the letter with a nod to opponents of the nickname but clearly with a desire to keep the name.
"I respect the opinions of those who disagree. I want them to know that I do hear them, and I will continue to listen and learn. But we cannot ignore our 81-year history, or the strong feelings of most of our fans as well as African-Americans throughout the country. After 81 years, the team name 'Niggers' continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come. We are Niggers Nation ... and we owe it to our fans and coaches and players, past and present, to preserve that heritage."
In a survey, respondents were asked to suggest appropriate name-changes. Popular entries included "New Jersey Niggas," "New Jersey Shores," and "New Jersey Sucks".
Whitey has not yet made a statement concerning the suggestions.
