Washington Redskins launch 'thorough review' into changing team name
The Washington Redskins have announced "a thorough review" into the team's name, after major sponsor FedEx requested the NFL franchise reconsider using the 'Redskins' moniker moving forward.
FedEx own the naming rights to Washington's stadium, following a $205m (£165m) deal that runs until 2025. Nike have also stopped displaying Washington's merchandise on their website.
Team owner Dan Snyder, who bought the franchise in 1999, has previously rejected suggestions to change the team's name despite regular criticism that the name is disparaging to Native Americans.
However a Redskins statement on Friday, featuring Snyder and the team's new head coach, Ron Rivera, revealed the use of the 'Redskins' name would be reviewed.
The Washington franchise have won three Super Bowl titles in team history, with the most recent being their 1991 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Reality: The Redskins can't open a review, then come back a month from now and say, "We're all good!" It's pretty obvious that a change is coming.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 3, 2020
The development comes in the same week that a group of Exeter Chiefs supporters launched a petition for the former Gallagher Premiership champions to drop the Native American imagery from the club's branding, with the petition having so far received over 1,100 signatures.
Snyder 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.”
Rivera 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.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell added: "In the last few weeks we have had ongoing discussions with Dan and we are supportive of this important step."
The last NFL franchise to change their name, without moving locations, were the Tennessee Titans, previously known as the Tennessee Oilers until 1999.
