Washington’s NFL team announced that it will drop its Redskins name and logo on Monday, CNN reports.
It is unclear what the new name will be. The change was announced after the team held a “thorough review” of its name amid years of criticism that it was a slur against Native Americans that came to a head amid recent protests over racism.
"That review has begun in earnest," the team said in a statement. "As part of this process, we want to keep our sponsors, fans and community apprised of our thinking as we go forward. Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review."
The statement added that owner 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."
New name to honor Natives, military:
Rivera has said that he was working with Snyder to select a name that would “honor both the military and Native Americans.”
The decision came after FedEx, which has the naming rights to the team’s stadium, threatened to pull out if the name was not changed.
Amazon and Nike also pulled the team’s gear from its stores.
Other teams may follow:
The MLB’s Cleveland Indians have not made a formal decision to change its name but it is likely to follow suit and drop its name by 2022.
The team said it was reviewing the name amid recent protests.
The Atlanta Braves will not be changing its name but recently told season ticket holders that it will review its “tomahawk chop” celebration.
"Through our conversations, changing the name of the Braves is not under consideration or deemed necessary. We have great respect and reverence for our name and the Native American communities that have held meaningful relationships with us do as well. We will always be the Atlanta Braves,” the team said in a statement. "As it relates to the fan experience, including the chop, it is one of the many issues that we are working through with the advisory group. The chop was popularized by our fans when Deion Sanders joined our team and it continues to inspire our players on the field. With that in mind, we are continuing to listen to the Native American community, as well as our fans, players, and alumni to ensure we are making an informed decision on this part of our fan experience."
