“We’ll never change the name,” Washington owner Dan Snyder told USA Today in 2013 of the “Redskins.” “It’s that simple. NEVER — you can use caps.”
Five days ago: Redskins head coach Ron Rivera said: Name change is ‘discussion for another time’. WTOP
Then George Floyd events overwhelmed the team:
FedEx has asked the Washington NFL team to officially change its name, long condemned as an anti-Indigenous slur.
The shipping company has communicated to the team a request that it change its name, FedEx confirmed Thursday in a statement to NBC News. FedEx owns the naming rights to the Maryland field where the team plays, and its chief executive, Fred Smith, owns a minority stake in the team.
Then:
Nike removes Redskins name, apparel from its website
Nike, the NFL’s official gameday uniform supplier, is no longer allowing customers to purchase Washington apparel from its website. The Nike.com NFL page has every team listed on the left sidebar except Washington. Furthermore, its shopping filters also omit Washington, and its search function pulls up other teams but no results for Washington. NBC sports
Then:
PepsiCo, a sponsor since 2017, expressed a similar sentiment and said, “We believe it is time for a change.” Sponsor Bank of America said it has “encouraged the team to change the name” and welcomed the organization’s review. Star Advertiser
Now:
“In light of recent events around the country and feedback from our community, the Washington Redskins are announcing the team will undergo a thorough review of the team’s name,” the statement read. “This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks.” CBS News
Here’s some of the names being thrown around: Washington Redtails, Washington Warriors, Washington Hogs/Washington Red Hogs, Washington RedHawks, and Washington Senators. Sporting News
Also the Cleveland Indians are considering a name change. If they do change it, I hope it’s to the Cleveland Fire. Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River has caught on fire several times.
