NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to 10 members of the United States Congress with a letter supporting Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder—that the team's nickname, deemed offensive by those members, should not be changed. Per Indian Country Media Today Media Network, Goodell addressed the letter to two U.S. representatives who are part of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) and Betty McCollum. Cole and McCollum also were co-sponsors of the Non-Disparagement of Native American Persons or Peoples in Trademark Registration Act of 2013 (H.R. 1278). Here is Goodell's entire argument: "Thank you for your letter of May 13 regarding the Washington Redskins name and marks. The National Football League fully respects the views of the Caucus and other Members who have expressed interest in this matter and we appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns. "In our view, a fair and through discussion of the issue must begin with an understanding of the roots of the Washington franchise and the Redskins name in particular. As you may know, the team began as the Boston Braves in 1932, a name that honored the courage and heritage of Native Americans. The following year, the name was changed to the Redskins, in part to avoid confusion with the Boston baseball team of the same name, but also to honor the team’s then-head coach, William “Lone Star†Dietz. Neither in intent nor use was the name ever meant to denigrate Native Americans or offend any group. "The Washington Redskins name has thus from its origin represented a positive meaning distinct from any disparagement that could be viewed in some other context. For the team’s millions of fans and customers, who represent one of America’s most ethnically and geographically diverse fan bases, the name is a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect. "Importantly, this positive meaning is shared by the overwhelming majority of football fans and Americans generally, including Native Americans. (Attached as examples are recent remarks from Chief Steven Dodson, an American Inuit chief and resident of Prince Georges [sic] County, Maryland, and recently retired Chief Robert Green of the Patawomeck Tribe of Virginia.) Indeed, the most recent detailed survey of Native Americans, conducted by the independent and highly respected Annenberg Public Policy Center, found that fewer than 10% considered the name objectionable. Among the general public, an Associated Press survey conducted just two months ago found that only 11% felt it should be changed." "Public opinion aside, the Washington Redskins name has been confirmed in a legal context. When the matter was considered by the D.C. federal district court, the judge ruled against the plaintiffs and recognized that the name was been used by the team in a respectful manner. As I understand it, this ruling reversed the decision that informed the basis for the registration denials mentioned in your letter. "As you correctly recognize, the issues raised with respect to the Washington Redskins name are complex and we respect that reasonable people may view it differently, particularly over time. But we hope that there is no doubt that the team understandably is proud of its heritage and the culturally rich community it serves, and its fans understandably are highly attached to that history and the team’s history. "The National Football League takes seriously its responsibility to exemplify the values of diversity and inclusion that make our nation great. To that end, please be assured that we are committed to working with the team, this Caucus and others to continue to reinforce the many positive attributes represented by the team's name and marks." Here was McCollum's response to Goodell, also per Indian Country: "Unfortunately, NFL Commissioner Goodell's letter is another attempt to justify a racial slur on behalf of Dan Snyder and other NFL owners who appear to be only concerned with earning ever larger profits, even if it means exploiting a racist stereotype of Native Americans. For the head of a multi-billion dollar sports league to embrace the twisted logic that 'Redskin' actually 'stands for strength, courage, pride, and respect' is a statement of absurdity. "Would Roger Goodell and Dan Snyder actually travel to a Native American community and greet a group tribal members by saying, ‘Hey, what’s up redskin?’ I think not. ("Hey, what's up redskin" is >a quote from materials provided to my office by the NFL, along with the claim that "Redskins" is a "term of endearment" among Native Americans.) "Indian children, families and elders are Americans, and just like all racial, ethnic, or religious groups, they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not as a demeaning caricature or mascot. That shouldn't be too much to ask of the NFL." Source: Sporting News
Whoever wrote this, we all know Goodell didn't, did a superb job of giving Congress the middle finger. Love it
""Indian children, families and elders are Americans, and just like all racial, ethnic, or religious groups, they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity....." Just furthermore proof of them trying to push their agenda and speaking for ALL Natives. There's been numerous groups to come out and say the name doesn't offend them, so I don't know why they, and people believe their BS. People are going to be offended by anything. Groups get offended over Christmas Tree's for Christ sake. Their whole history behind the meaning of Redskins is false to begin with, so they start off with lies and continue them. I feel sorry for people who buy into this political crap. Not to mention, anyone who thinks a Team Name change is more important than the government screwing them from the top to the bottom, obviously doesn't have a clue as to what problems Natives really face. Team Name > lack of electricity, running water, abuse, education, etc, etc, etc. Makes sense.
Yes, I've mentioned that numerous times, especially to the senator from Oklahoma who wanted to say the name was offensive. I believe it means that in Choctaw.
