The Washington Redskins announced on Friday that they will review the team name due to its racist connotations.
“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,” the Redskins said in a statement. “This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks.”
Redskins head coach, Ron Rivera said in a statement “This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with (team owner) Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military.”
The Redskins team name has always been a subject of controversy, but in recent weeks, they have been under more pressure to change their name. FedEx, which owns the naming rights to the stadium where the Redskins play, recently asked the team to change its name. Nike even took all Redskins merchandise off of its website this week after 80 groups and shareholders that invest in Nike sent a letter asking the footwear company to end its relationship with the Redskins unless the team changed their name.
NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, said in a statement Friday that the league has had “ongoing discussions” with the Redskins Organization and was “supportive of this important step.”
