Time for NFL’s Redskins to drop ‘offensive’ name, DC mayor says. Here’s what fans say
On Friday, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser told a local radio show that she believes the NFL’s Washington Redskins, a three-time Super Bowl champion, need to change their name, NBC Sports reported.
“I think it’s past time for the team to deal with (a name that) offends so many people,” she said on the “Doc & Galdi” show on The Team 980. “And this is a great franchise with a great history that’s beloved in history and it deserves a name that reflects the affection that we feel for the team.”
For years, people have argued that the team needs to change its name due to the cultural insensitivity to Native Americans. The name came about in 1933 when then-owner George Preston Marshal changed the team’s name from the Boston Braves to the Boston Redskins, according to The Washington Post. The decision was made so that people wouldn’t confuse the football team with the baseball team, the Boston Braves.
Fans and non-fans took to Twitter to express their own views about Bowser’s thoughts.
A lot were put off by the idea.
“Since you’re into renaming everything, I thought the Washington Looters would be an appropriate team name,” said @hecxtreme.
“Don’t you have some real issues to deal with?” said @hereiam247.
“It’s shocking how outraged and soft the world is today, pathetic,” @VANcanucks92 said.
While others believed it was long overdue.
“Yes they should definitely change it. It’s high time,” @_Kei_KEI_Musa tweeted.
“Finally! 100% have always found that offensive and I’m not even N.A,” said @Justxvin.
“It’s a win for all,” said @MChang_a_lang.
Some even pointed out that other NFL teams should consider doing the same thing. After one Twitter user facetiously suggested that the Cleveland Browns should also change their name, they were rebuked.
“The browns aren’t named after indigenous people; they’re named after the original GM whose last name was Brown. And, yes I’m fun at parties,” @brownsugar_tx replied.
This story was originally published June 12, 2020 at 1:23 PM with the headline "Time for NFL’s Redskins to drop ‘offensive’ name, DC mayor says. Here’s what fans say."