The Washington Redskins announced on Monday that they will be withdrawing their nickname and logo after completing a comprehensive review which began on July 3.
“Today we are announcing that we will be removing the Redskins name and logo after this review,” the team said in a statement.
“Dan Snyder and coach [Ron] Rivera is working closely to develop a new name and a new design approach that will enhance the prestige of our proud franchise rich in traditions and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years. “
Washington was expected to change its name, and a source said on Saturday evening that an announcement of a new name would come soon.
Sports Business Daily reported that the announcement of the new name had been delayed due to pending branding issues.
“The NFL and Dan Snyder finally made the right choice and Change the Mascot congratulates them,” said Ray Halbritter, representative for the Oneida Nation and responsible for the Change the Mascot campaign, on Monday. “This is a good decision for the country – and not just for the indigenous peoples – because it ends a painful chapter of denigration and disrespect for the Amerindians and other people of color. Future generations of Indigenous youth will no longer be subjected to this offensive and harmful insult every Sunday during the football season.
“We made it clear from the start that this movement never aimed at political correctness, but sought to avoid unnecessary damage to our young people, because we know from social scientists the many harmful effects of this mascot on the image of “Native Americans. Today marks the start of a new chapter for the NFL and the Washington franchise, starting a new legacy that can be more inclusive for fans of all backgrounds.”
Last week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the franchise would not use Native American imagery. The Washington logo of a Native American chief was designed by a Native American in 1971.
Another source told ESPN that the plan, for now, is for the franchise to continue using burgundy and gold colors. Rivera said the team wanted to include the military in its new name.
The franchise said on July 3 that it would undergo a thorough review of its 87-year-old name which some consider offensive. At this point, several sources have said that the team’s owner, Snyder, is already in talks with the league over a possible new name. Several sources said the name would change, but there was nothing official about the team.
For years, Snyder had resisted any idea of changing the name – telling USA Today in 2013 to “put the caps” that he would never do that. Some who worked for Snyder said they thought he would rather sell the team than use a new name. Although he is not sure what the next name will be, he is a source close to the situation, said Snyder enthusiastically.
Snyder had held rights in the Washington area over any possible expansion by the Arena Football League, and he was supposed to name this team the Warriors, even attempting to score the name – a quest he had abandoned.
Snyder and the franchise were under more pressure to change Washington’s nickname after protests against social injustice began after George Floyd’s death in Minnesota in May. Several weeks after Floyd’s death, several sources said Snyder had been discussing the name for several weeks with the league.
Meanwhile, a letter signed by 87 investors and shareholders with a total value of $ 620 billion was sent to the sponsors FedEx, PepsiCo and Nike, asking them to stop doing business with the team unless the name be changed. When it was reported in an Adweek.com story on July 1, several people – including current and former employees – echoed the same thought: it’s over. Most, if not all, were unaware that a possible change was already underway.
On July 2, FedEx released a statement saying it had told the team that it wanted the name changed. The other sponsors then issued statements saying the same thing. Amazon has said it will stop selling Redskins merchandise. Walmart and Target have said they will stop selling their equipment in stores. And, according to the Washington Post, FedEx has said it will remove signage from the stadium unless the name is changed for the 2021 season.
FedEx signed a 27-year contract for $ 205 million in 1998. Company owner and CEO Fred Smith has been a minority shareholder in the franchise since 2003. However, he and the other minority investors, Dwight, have reports Schar and Bob Rothman, wants to sell its stakes.
Snyder, his sister Michele and his mother Arlette hold 60% of the franchise.
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