After years of stubbornly clinging to the name, the Washington Redskins are reportedly launching a review into the team’s name, with the expected result of finally changing it. As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team released a statement formalizing the review, as a result of “recent events around our country and feedback from our community.”
Potentially big news: The #Redskins have been having internal discussions about their team name and now will conduct a formal, thorough review. Full statement, including quotes from owner Dan Snyder, on a possible name change: pic.twitter.com/49mpesZGs9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 3, 2020
Rapoport further reports that sources with knowledge of the process state that the name change is “likely,” potentially ending a saga that has been years in the making:
My understanding of the #Redskins situation, based on conversations with several sources: A name change is likely.
It would truly be a monumental decision. It is time. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s statement was supportive, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 3, 2020
The “Redskins” name has been under fire due to its insensitivity and offensiveness towards various indigenous groups, who have called for a name change for years. Washington owner Dan Snyder had previously been staunch in his refusal to even consider a name change, but it appears the tides have finally turned on the franchise.
Though the name change appears to be an inevitability, the process will still have to produce the result that has been asked for by multiple communities. As for the timing, aside from the protests against racial inequality, it appears to be pressure from sponsors that finally made the team reconsider its stance.
This week, FedEx, which is the title sponsor for Washington’s stadium, asked the team to change the name, while Nike seemingly removed all Washington apparel from its online store.
Nike online store has also apparently removed all Redskins gear. The company has not immediately responded to a request for comment. https://t.co/vO9Z0Z5WlI pic.twitter.com/CqPG97mf48
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 3, 2020
That it took sponsor pressure over years of sustained community activism to consider changing the name is no surprise, but at least it is happening. Whether the review process ends up with a new name for Washington’s football team remains to be seen, but the combination of external factors might just be the thing that does it, after all this time.
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