The Washington Redskins announced today that they are preparing to “conduct a review” on the name of the Redskins and what the franchise could potentially change the name to. The Redskins, named in 1933 by George Preston Marshall, has been a source of contention over the last several years with activists claiming that the name and logo is “racist” toward Native Americans. Several Native American tribes have dismissed these claims. Regardless, several websites stopped referring to the team by their name.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAnd here it is: the Redskins are undergoing a thorough review of the team’s name.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 3, 2020
And let’s be clear: There’s no review if there’s no change coming.
Redskins on way out. pic.twitter.com/ZrS3cCvhMg
The franchise was met with several obstacles in the last couple of days. Redskins owner Dan Snyder has been looking into building a new stadium to upgrade from the FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, and potentially bring the stadium closer to Washington DC. Snyder had inquired about purchasing the Robert F Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington DC last week but was informed that the site wouldn’t be sold as long as the Redskins name remained.
FedEx, who paid a whopping $208M for stadium name rights, threatened to pull out of their deal if the Redskins name didn’t change Thursday afternoon.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAll "Washington Redskins" team merchandise has been removed from Nike's website 👀 https://t.co/IzG7XONx98 pic.twitter.com/7Bge8lGYTH
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) July 3, 2020
Nike pulled all Redskins emblems and merchandise from their store late Thursday evening. I cannot speak on behalf of the company, but I think that it’s interesting that Nike condones a “racist” team name in America, but employs Asian minority slaves to make their $200 pairs of shoes.
There have been some interesting thoughts coming from Angry NFL Scout Vet on Twitter regarding the name change as well:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsSnyder is going to get something big for this. I was always told he was holding out because he wanted the pressure to get so big that he would get some things he wants in return for it. He doesn’t care either way what name is but knows he is holding cards. Wonder what he will get https://t.co/3yRCw4Lalm
— AngryNFLScoutVet (@AngryScoutVet) July 3, 2020
A lot of speculation surrounds Twitter and the media is that Snyder is making moves to acquire RFK Stadium, to demolish the building, and start a new building from scratch. If this is the current plan, along with a new organization buying the rights to the name, it could end up being a very profitable change for the Washington team.
Personally, I think that Washington is about to switch to a team name and design similar to this:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsIf Washington is to change its franchise name (it should), then team should follow @petemrogers’ design pic.twitter.com/GPsWFgy6DB
— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) July 2, 2020
There are no leaks or sources so far as to what the name options are at this point.