The Redskins’ team name has been heavily criticized for some time for its racial overtones, though owner Dan Snyder previously avowed that he would never change the name. But as someone once said, “never say never.”
Facing renewed pressure to make a change, including a request from stadium sponsor FedEx, the club is undertaking a thorough review of the team name. The team issued the following statement (h/t Adam Schefter of ESPN.com via Twitter):
” In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community, the Washington Redskins are announcing the team will undergo a thorough review of the team’s name. This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks.
Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, stated, ‘This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field.’
Ron Rivera, Head Coach of the Washington Redskins, remarked, ‘This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our military.’
We believe this review can and will be conducted with the best interest of all in mind.”
Schefter believes the mere fact that the review is taking place is a clear indication that the name will indeed be changed. And sources tell Rick Maese, Mark Maske, and Liz Clarke of the Washington Post that the process will end in a new name and mascot, which could happen by the start of the 2020 season. After all, it would be a bad look, even by Snyder’s standards, to undergo a review and not make a change. While there’s not yet any clarity as to what the new name will be, Rivera’s comments suggest that it will somehow pay homage to the nation’s military.
Investment firms worth about $620B recently asked Nike, FedEx, and PepsiCo to end their relationships with the Redskins, and it could be that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Nike removed the Redskins name and their merchandise from its website Thursday night. The Tennessee Titans — the last team to change their name, after a two-year Tennessee Oilers phase — now reside at the bottom of the shoe giant’s list of teams.
Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a brief statement indicating that he has been discussing the matter with Snyder in recent weeks and is supportive of what appears to be an impending change.
Sad
Agreed, sad that it took this long.
Sad that everyone is offended by something.
Redskin is straight up a slur
Right, weird how high schools on Indian reservations use the same racist nickname.
(Sarcasm)
I’m thoroughly offended by your comment. Please change it.
Money talks and you don’t have any
I’m offended by your micro aggressive offended-ness. I need a safe space and a comfort dog stat!
What a pansy
The Redskins primary logo used today was first designed in 1971 in close consultation with Native American leaders. Among those who unanimously approved and voiced praise for the logo was Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Blackfeet Nation. Years earlier, Mr. Wetzel had been deeply involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the movement for civil liberties, civil rights, and economic freedom for all. In 2014, Mr. Wetzel’s son Don commented, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it’s something to be proud of.”
They should become the washingon sellout blm lovers
Feel free to go watch a sport more in tune with your views like dog fighting.
Take it easy on him, he already lost his right to fly Confederate flag at NASCAR.
Nascar sucks.lol at confederate flag. Your an idiot.
Look, dude, name change or not you’re being super aggressive. If you can’t express whatever view you have like an adult, you don’t deserve respect or consideration. You don’t get to act like a child just because your view is the “right” one. Grow up.
Whats wrong with you. Did your mommys breast milk go sour. Calm down. You dont have to judge everyone’s comments.
Irondouche is the worst and a disgrace to Baltimore. Go back to Essex with the rest of the white trash and stop sullying Ripken’s name with your dumbass posts.
Whats an essex? You people are weird.
Snowflake
Lol!
What the left wants the left gets!
Remember that, Jack!
Really? Dumb comment
Unfortunately for you, PepsiCo donated to donnie’s campaign. The important thing is you tried though.
Left or right, it’s a racist logo
No, it isn’t, rabbit ears.
I’m gonna take a stab at it and say you’re a right-wing white man, correct? But, yes, go on and tell the world what is and isn’t racist, because I’m sure you’ve experienced so much racism against yourself in your lifetime. Would you ask a plumber to do your electrical work? Why don’t we let the people who actually have experience with it dictate what is and isn’t racist. If they say it is, then it is. You don’t get to call people out on this when you’re clearly the one who has a problem with the name being changed. So does that work for you, rabbit ears?
1/4th Abenaki, Uncle T. Tell me another long tale.
You’ve proved my point of you not experiencing racism toward yourself by using a racially charged insult such as that. Thanks.
While I’m not agreeing with him are you seriously saying because you’re white that person hasn’t dealt with racism ?
Never once said it can’t happen, it’s just extremely unlikely and so miniscule in occurrence. He has plainly proven he hasn’t experienced it.
If they say it is, it is- that might be the dumbest comment I’ve ever read.
You ain’t read much then, brother. If someone punches you in the face, and you say it hurt, but I say that it didn’t, that means it didn’t hurt you then, right? If you aren’t the one it happened to, then you don’t get to say what it did and didn’t do.
White people haven’t experienced racism? Nothing is more socially acceptable right now than to blame white people for everything. Racism is always ok as long as it’s against the group that “deserves it” the only thing that changes is the group its directed at.
I’ve not heard one single person blame ‘white people’. Racism is the stated problem across the board. If you’re offended by racism being called out as a problem, then that likely means you’re a contributor.
I know! How dare they be against racism!! Bastards!!
Sometimes this new culture is getting out of hand. I’m Native American I don’t find it offensive
The Chiefs, Indians, Blackhawks, Redskins, Eskimos or The Braves.
Are a bunch of Scandinavia’s going to ask to change the Vikings next?
I’m caucasian. The White Sox name offends the he!! outta me.
How does the name offend you? The White Sox were named after the type of stockings(socks) they wore. That is not racist at all. Instead of flipping out at something that has white in the name, review the history of the name.
Gotta pick up on the sarcasm..
Bugz sarcasm or not there are actually people saying the White Sox name is offensive.
Sweet… perhaps now we should talk about the black national anthem being played before the Star Spangled Banner. Oh wait, that has already been decided too.
Mob rule. lol
Well everyone, team name stays. This guy speaks for all Native Americans
I’m good with that
The Redskins primary logo used today was first designed in 1971 in close consultation with Native American leaders. Among those who unanimously approved and voiced praise for the logo was Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Blackfeet Nation. Years earlier, Mr. Wetzel had been deeply involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the movement for civil liberties, civil rights, and economic freedom for all. In 2014, Mr. Wetzel’s son Don commented, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it’s something to be proud of.”
And Fighting Irish.
The Blackhawks are badass
And Blackhawks say they will not change
Only a huge snowflake would care this much that they are changing the name
Washington Native Americans
I love it!
Washington Indians
That way they can keep the logo
it would be great if the team could change to a name that is celebratory of native americans. ive always held that teams should be allowed to have names referring to native americans as they can be nice nods to them, though there is a point made about the “racial overtones” of Washington’s name. i think they should talk to native american leadership about what name would be best to celebrate them in a proper way.
The Redskins primary logo used today was first designed in 1971 in close consultation with Native American leaders. Among those who unanimously approved and voiced praise for the logo was Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Blackfeet Nation. Years earlier, Mr. Wetzel had been deeply involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the movement for civil liberties, civil rights, and economic freedom for all. In 2014, Mr. Wetzel’s son Don commented, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it’s something to be proud of.”
Maybe its the word Washington not redskins. Not sure someone should take a pole.
If that happens, then say goodbye to the Chiefs, the Braves, the Indians, the Warriors and the Blackhawks. Then maybe say goodbye to the Patriots too since I’m sure the image of a colonial American surely offends some. The Celtics? Racial slur. They’re gone. And of course, we don’t want to offend any atheists, so let’s dispatch the Angels, the Padres, the Saints and even the Devils while we’re at it. The Pirates and the Buccaneers? Surely those murderous, pillaging, raping marauders are offensive so they’re out. The Rangers? They are lawmen. Gone too. Finally the Royals and the Kings. That’s the entitled, privileged class. Eat the rich, right? So they are out as well.
You forgot the Dodgers, the disabled can’t dodge cable cars, so that needs to go too.
HAAAAAAAA!
You killed me!
This really bothers you doesn’t it?
You can’t honestly criticize Dems for taxing the rich and also call them elitists.
Imagine being this upset about it
Upset? I’m not upset. I can assure you that I won’t lose a single wink of sleep over this. Just wanted to point out that if one domino falls, then all the rest should fall too. And since when does typing up a 2 minute post equal being upset?
chiefs isn’t a racial slur. braves isn’t a racial slur. Blackhawks isn’t a racial slur. get over yourself, snowflake
You have a hard time detecting sarcasm, don’t you? And you must know that there have been calls to change the names of those teams, too (the Chiefs, the Braves and the Blackhawks). Those calls will only grow louder if the Redskins change their name.
Neither is Redskins if you only understood the history behind the name.
You make it sound like the teams are going to disappear. Even if they all change their names, they’ll still have a franchise and they’ll still play whatever sport they have been playing. If the Yankees changed their name to the Bears, would people stop going to the games or watching them on TV?
Then you get PETA involved and every animal mascot will be wiped out. Soon the politicians will name the teams for us after themselves as a reminder of all the great things they have allowed us to have.
I suggest everyone check out a comedian named Steve Hughes who takes on the word “offended”. I think he 100% correct in what he says and it’s not offensive whatsoever.
You left out the rams, which are clearly sexist and don’t represent all genders of their species.
You forgot the Cowboys killed Indians. Vikings and Raiders fall into same boat as Buccaneers and Pirates. Yankees is a slur about northerns
Don’t forget the draft dodgers.
Dont forget the Nationals since everyone is offended by the founding fathers
Chicago has “White” in their name. That’s a no no now.
Washington wannabes
Everyone pick a fruit or vegetable to be named after. That’ll end all controversy
Vegetarians might take offence to that
Amen
Someone would be offended, trust me. Someone is ALWAYS offended by something these days.
Washington Fourskins is my vote
Lol
LOL, funniest WGAF response ever.
You have to go with the Washington Sentinels! Sign Keanu Reeves and do this thing right.
FedEx wanted the Redskins to change the name. Why doesn’t FedEx change their packaging since it is primarily white?
The Cleveland Browns? How is that not racist?
named after a person
Whoosh
Yes, we football fans know the origin. However the name, still has connotations to the uninformed. What if Paul’s last name had been White or Black? Would those team names have lasted this long?
Couldn’t all teams just go by their city? Washington, Kansas City, Miami . . . This isn’t that difficult. In reality if the only intention of the mascot is to represent a community or make the fans have something cute to rally around, then maybe it’s run its course. Maybe we should just rally around the names of our communities?
What would the New York teams and LA teams do? How about we stop looking for things to be offended by. A poll was done and 90% of native Americans were not offended
That’s my view. Are we really to the point now where we have to change everything, even when polls suggest the majority aren’t bothered by it?
Bronx queens la Anaheim maybe would work?
“And Rivera’s comments suggest that the new name, assuming there is one, will be one that honors the nation’s military.”
The Washington Generals.
It’s perfect for them.
The Washington Republicans would be perfect
Throw it right back in the snowflakes face Dan!!!
In that they are poorly run, constantly accused of racism and lose all the time?
Might be on to something there.
lollllll. perfect.
Democrats accuse everyone they disagree with racist.
Most of the most poorly run cities are Democrats, and Trump won the presidency.
Washington Term
Limits…
“I’m not so sensitive like you snowflakes”
*Throws a tantrum over a name change*
The main problem with society today is that the “ everyone gets a trophy “ generation are starting to become adults.
Well, they’re getting older, yes…
This is the truth.
Who do you think gave them those trophies?
Hahaha
Washington Term Limits
Just call them the Washington Senators and have the logo be Rand Paul getting a beat down from his next door neighbor. PS up yours, trump lovers
Dude you need to go to therapy or get on some type of medication. Your on a non-stop rampage. And how is being prejudiced towards someone based off of their political preference any different than being prejudiced against someone because of their religion, sexual preference, skin color, etc… Ironic how the people screaming the loudest for tolerance are so intolerant.
I think he is just mad that mommy won’t go get him more juiceboxs
Washington Warriors? Keep the logo?
Native Americans, who find the name offensive, should be the only thing that matters. It’s ok to fix things in America that are considered racist or offensive, it doesn’t make us soft, it makes us understanding and finally listening.
Native Americans do not find it offensive, White people do pal. Native Americans support the team. White people are so out of touch they’ll do anything to say “Look, I’m not racist!!”
Are you native American or are you just speaking for a group of people like most other hard-on white guys do that think they know everything?
Are you an internet troll who touches himself to CNN or do you actually have thoughts of your own?
I find it hard to believe there’s not one Native American who finds “Redskins” offensive. C’mon, you can’t deny that you’re overgeneralizing when you say “Native Americans do not find it offensive”
The Redskins primary logo used today was first designed in 1971 in close consultation with Native American leaders. Among those who unanimously approved and voiced praise for the logo was Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Blackfeet Nation. Years earlier, Mr. Wetzel had been deeply involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the movement for civil liberties, civil rights, and economic freedom for all. In 2014, Mr. Wetzel’s son Don commented, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it’s something to be proud of.”
A solution that won’t offend anyone….the Wahington MAGAs…..
got a certain ring to it…..
How about The Skins….
Everyone has skin … can’t dispute that
Washington Potato Skins
Finally and way overdue and the owner dug his feet into the ground so much that now what is that franchise even known for? Busting with Robert Griffin, yanking Kirk Cousins around and having an offensive name/logo. Way to go Snyder
The Redskins primary logo used today was first designed in 1971 in close consultation with Native American leaders. Among those who unanimously approved and voiced praise for the logo was Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Blackfeet Nation. Years earlier, Mr. Wetzel had been deeply involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the movement for civil liberties, civil rights, and economic freedom for all. In 2014, Mr. Wetzel’s son Don commented, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it’s something to be proud of.”
Everything is about color Why does everything have to be about color with some people?
I understand that the name Redskins along with the logo may offend someone however I don’t think the nicknames like Indians, Braves or Warriors have the same issue.
In this case the only color that counts is green. These investment firms only started caring about names when their financial bottom line could be negatively impacted.
I really don’t care if they change the name, but did I miss something? Where are all the Native Americans clamoring for this change every year? I’ve never seen any protests? Or is it still a bunch of white people acting like they’re the saviors of other races yet again, out to prove how righteous they are in the fight against “injustice.”
That’s exactly what it is
no natives protesting, just skinny white guys who dont watch football
Foreskins seems appropriate
As a group, Native Americans don’t find Redskins offensive. Particularly with the proud logo.
It would help if the Redskins would win more football games, albeit Joe Gibbs shared NFL dominance in the eighties with Bill Walsh’s 49ers.
By changing the name, it just erases Native American heritage further. Is the goal to make Native American heritage disappear completely? Some people have a bad conscience. Erasing the name does not undo the crimes committed during the Indian Wars (basically a genocide led by Teddy Roosevelt) and doesn’t walk back the Trail of Tears.
Regardless of our: skin color, birthplace of our ancestors, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, age, etc. If we were born here or became citizens here, we are all AMERICANS – first and foremost. Let’s hope we can find the brain cells to remember that when the forces of a foreign country come calling on our doorstep to take advantage of our social discord and general ambivalence.
The Indian Wars started around 1609, about 250 years before Roosevelt was born, and lasted for over four centuries killing millions. I have never heard of anyone saying that the genocide of Native Americans was led by Teddy Roosevelt, that’s a first. Crack a history book my friend. Smh
b.s.
Change it to Pigskins. They can keep using the Skins nickname.
I like it.
However when contacted, Arnold Ziffel was offended.
PETA and animal rights activists would them be all over them.
How about the Washington hogs
Hogs is good. The fans are already called that.
Is there just a select few out there that recognize and appreciate sarcasm and humor??
Yes
This post gave me cancer.
Plot twist: Redskins change their logo to a fried potato
How about Pale hose
Leave the White Sox out of this.
Hello Washington senators .
The Washington small pox
Dan Snyder and the Foreskins…
Washington Scalpers
It’s funny that Nike is acting like are the moral compass in society, while they take advantage of exploiting overseas labor.
If you think the name Redskins isn’t bad, would you be willing to walk up to a Native American and call them a redskin? Like, “Hey redskin! Sorry about manifest destiny!” No, you probably wouldn’t call a Native American a redskin to their face. Yet you think it’s totally cool to name a national sports franchise the Redskins…
The Redskins primary logo used today was first designed in 1971 in close consultation with Native American leaders. Among those who unanimously approved and voiced praise for the logo was Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Blackfeet Nation. Years earlier, Mr. Wetzel had been deeply involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the movement for civil liberties, civil rights, and economic freedom for all. In 2014, Mr. Wetzel’s son Don commented, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it’s something to be proud of.”
No, I wouldn’t, but honestly that’s just as much about the fact I’m not sorry about manifest destiny as it is about not talking down to someone with a slur. Humans have taken land from Humans since before anyone figured out how to write written words. There’s no give backs. You’re certainly welcome to donate your home to a Native American cause. I’ll be keeping mine, and Im not sorry about it. I’ll be a good sport and not name call these people or rub their losses in their face any more than owning land here already does, and Im not against changing a stupid football team’s name, but I won’t for one second pretend to be sorry for how my people got here. To the winner goes the spoils.
Next up will be the Indians, Chiefs, and Braves….then I’m sure somehow people will find the Browns offensive. Come on
This is only the start. Go ahead and add in: Raiders, 49’ers, Vikings, Buccaneers, Cowboys, Giants, Patriots, Jets, Bills, Packers, Steelers, Texans, Titans, and Saints and that’s just the NFL.
It’s time to drop Washington too !
Maybe “DC BOMBERS” !
I find the Washington Redskins offensive, but it has nothing to do with the name.
Washington Senators. A throwback to the old MLB club.
There are plenty of precedents for name changes in the NFL (the Bears were originally the Staleys, the Lions the Spartans, the Steelers the Pirates, the Titans became the Jets, the Oilers became the Titans etc. etc.) so this is much ado about nothing.
The Washington Eunuchs.
Exactly.
Being a racist jerk is how you convince people you’re a man.
For all of you foolish sjw who think your being woke by jumping in on this:
The Redskins primary logo used today was first designed in 1971 in close consultation with Native American leaders. Among those who unanimously approved and voiced praise for the logo was Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Blackfeet Nation. Years earlier, Mr. Wetzel had been deeply involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the movement for civil liberties, civil rights, and economic freedom for all. In 2014, Mr. Wetzel’s son Don commented, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it’s something to be proud of.”
Love it
Be called the Washington senates or Congress
This is singlehandedly the stupid thing ever in sports so what are we gonna change every little thing in the world because people are offended by it so what it’s life the Redskins isn’t even offensive and no men here even knows what it means went through crap so shut up and let them be the redskins. If your gonna hate then hate but don’t listen to the haters. #SaveTheSkins
Awful. I’m pro-BLM and such but political correctness is ridiculous. Focus on how you treat people, not what you call them. They’ve been the Redskins forever. Bad or good, they’ve built the trademark and brand and shouldn’t have to start over. It’s a generic, physical-characteristic related name that doesn’t affect how people are treated. I really want to see change but this doesn’t help anyone.
I agree with you. The way you treat people is everything
Change name to ” Indigenous people of the North American continent”. Announcers will get sick of trying to get all that out and call them Redskins.
Here’s a thought. Why doesn’t someone ask the Native Americans what they think? Let them decide instead of a bunch of liberals deciding for them
How about Washington Code-Talkers? Windtalkers might be more catchy but Im not sure anything should be named after a Nic Cage movie.
That should be a western team like Arizona.
Address the issue back on black killings.
Keep the same name and just change the mascot to a potato. Problem solved. Washington Redskin potatos
Cleveland Browns should be next… it’s very offensive. Chiefs as well. Atlanta Braves too. And I’m positive the Vikings offends a lot of people
Right! If you really think about it you could probably find a reason to be offended by every team in every league in every sport.
Just another reason to stop caring about the NFL. Get woke, go broke.
You watch the NFL for a team name? Can’t handle any change snowflake?