The Washington Redskins go through a “thorough review” of their name.
The national soccer team said on Friday that it had been talking to the league on the subject for weeks. The team said in a statement that recent events in the United States and community feedback had prompted the formal review.
“This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise, but also contributions from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community that it is proud of, on and off to represent the field. ” “Said owner Dan Snyder.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said: “We have had ongoing discussions with Dan over the past few weeks and we support this important step.”
The recent national debate on racism again called for the franchise to change its name, and sponsors this week increased their own pressure. Investors wrote to FedEx, PepsiCo and other sponsors this week asking them to request a change.
FedEx, the title sponsor of the team’s stadium in Landover, Md., Said on Thursday: “We communicated to the Washington team our request to change the team name.”
On Thursday night, Nike seemed to be removing all of the team’s gear from its online store. Nike has not replied to multiple messages to receive a comment.
The Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos, who were also criticized for their team’s nickname, made a statement Friday saying they would not change him, referring to a research and engagement program that Community was carried out and “found no consensus …”. to support a name change. “
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– @ EdmontonEsks
Washington coach Ron Rivera, who recently said in a radio interview that it was not time to discuss the name, called it “a subject of personal importance.” Rivera said he would work closely with Snyder during the trial.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser recently said the name was an “obstacle” for the team building a stadium in the district.
The current FedEx Field lease expires in 2027. The old location of the RFK Stadium in Washington, along with locations in Maryland and Virginia, is one of several options for the team’s new headquarters.
Experts and advocates have called the name a “dictionary-defined racial fraud”.
Up to this point, Snyder has shown no willingness to consider a change.
In late June, the team removed racist founder George Preston Marshall from his Ring of Fame. A memorial to him was also removed from the RFK stadium.
