Weekend Hot Reads....

Native American Journalists Association Founder Tim Giago in an op-ed piece for the MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE writes it "was not just a couple of years ago" when the issue of the Redskins nickname "first came up." The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's decision in June to cancel the team's trademark registration "just shows that persistence and patience can be rewarding." Now, all Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder "has to do to remedy the situation is to change the name."

The CHARLOTTE OBSERVER's Schwab, Alexander & Scott in a front-page piece report two of every three deaths in U.S. auto racing over the past three years, including the recent incident in which NASCAR driver Tony Stewart struck and killed Kevin Ward Jr., "occurred at short tracks." The smaller venues "have responded to individual tragedies," but have not "made sweeping safety changes" seen in NASCAR.

Elsewhere:

• Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are the NFL's "best reality show."
• Most minor-league baseball players "earn below poverty level."
• ESPN's Paul Finebaum discusses his new book, a "chest-beating paean" for the SEC.
• Cables companies "balk at rising costs for sports programming."
• One of the NCAA's "most distasteful chapters" -- realignment -- is "happily ending."