The Washington Redskins announced on Monday that they are retiring their nickname and logo after a review.
The team had been known as the Redskins since 1933. The team’s new name will be announced at a later date.
“Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review,” the team said in a statement. “Dan Snyder and Coach [Ron] Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years.”
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 13, 2020
Washington won’t use any Native American imagery with the change. Further, head coach Ron Rivera says the team wants to include the military in its new name, according to John Keim of ESPN.
“The NFL and Dan Snyder have finally made the right call and Change the Mascot commends them for it,” Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation representative and head of the Change the Mascot campaign, said in a statement Monday. “This is a good decision for the country — not just Native peoples — since it closes a painful chapter of denigration and disrespect toward Native Americans and other people of color. Future generations of Native youth will no longer be subjected to this offensive and harmful slur every Sunday during football season.”
While Native Americans have demanded that the team change its name over the years, there wass new corporate pressure to make a change. A letter signed by 87 investors was sent to FedEx, PepsiCo, and Nike asking them to stop doing business with the team unless it changed its name. FedEx has asked the team to change the name and many retailers have removed the team’s merchandise from their online store.
In 2013, Snyder was quoted saying everyone should “put it all in caps” that he would never change the name.
