BREAKING: Washington Redskins will ‘conduct thorough review’ of its name after major sponsor FedEx asks for it to change and Nike drops the team’s merchandise from its online stores
- Amid pressure from Native American groups, sponsors, and the city’s mayor, the Washington Redskins have announced they’re reconsidering the team name
- Friday’s statement came after FedEx formally requested the team change its name,
Amid growing pressure from Native American groups, sponsors, and even the city’s mayor, the Washington Redskins have announced they will conduct a ‘thorough review’ of the team’s name, which is considered by many to be offensive.
‘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,’ read the statement. ‘This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks.’
Friday’s statement came after a formal name-change request from FedEx, which was ostensibly using its leverage as the title sponsor of the Redskins’ stadium in Landover, Maryland to persuade team owner Daniel Snyder.
Meanwhile, the NFL’s official apparel provider, Nike, has made no statement over the matter, but silently scrapped all merchandise bearing the team’s name or logo from its online store.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder has ignored pleas from Native American groups who believe the name and logo are racist, and as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told ESPN Radio in 2018, ‘I don’t see him changing that perspective’
Nike is the NFL’s official uniform provider and makes jerseys for all 32 league teams
FedEx is the title sponsor of the Washington Redskins’ stadium in Landover, Maryland
FedEx’s proclamation comes as Nike appeared to stage a boycott of the team, with no merchandise bearing the name or logo of the Washington franchise available to buy on its website Thursday. The team is also notably absent from the site’s drop-down search menu that features all other NFL teams
Snyder has in the past remained steadfast on keeping the name, calling it a ‘badge of honor,’ despite Native American leaders across North America demanding a change.
While Friday’s statement did not announce any formal change, Snyder’s response to the uproar was a definite departure.
‘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,’ Snyder said in the statement.
‘Ron Rivera, Head Coach of the Washington Redskins 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.”
‘We believe this review can and will be conducted with the best interest of all in mind.’