Washington Redskins Drop Nickname, Navajo Nation Suggests 'Code Talkers'
Washington Redskins Changing Name & Logo ... Navajo Nation Suggests 'Code Talkers'
UPDATE
9:07 AM PT -- 7/13 The Navajo Nation is applauding the decision -- saying, "July 13, 2020 is now a historic day for all Indigenous peoples around the world."
UPDATE
"The NFL Washington-based team officially announced the retirement of the racist and disparaging 'Redskins' team name and logo," the Navajo Nation continued.
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"For generations, this team name and logo has misrepresented the true history and events that define the term 'redskins.'"
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The Navajo nation even has a suggestion for a new team name -- The Washington Code Talkers.
UPDATE
"Renaming the team 'Code Talkers' to honor the Navajo Code Talkers, and other tribal nations who used their sacred language to help win World War II would set the team on a path to restoring its reputation and correcting the historical misrepresentation of Indigenous peoples."
It's official ... The Washington "Redskins" are no more.
The NFL franchise announced Monday morning it's FINALLY changing the team nickname they've had since 1933 ... effective immediately.
"Today we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo," the team said.
The team says owner Dan Snyder and head 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."
After the announcement, Washington QB Dwayne Haskins weighed in ... saying "As a kid who grew up in the dmv it’ll always be #HTTR but looking forward to the future."
The team had initially announced a "thorough review of the team's name" back on July 3 after Native American groups and sponsors had decided enough was enough and put pressure on the team to make a change.
Nike had stopped selling "Redskins" merchandise on its official website -- and FedEx -- which has spent MILLIONS over the years for the naming rights to FedExField in Maryland -- threatened to jump ship if the team didn't make a change.
And, Fawn Sharp -- president of the National Congress of American Indians (which represents more than 500 tribal nations) also issued a scathing statement to the team -- calling for players to boycott until the name was changed.
What's important about Fawn ... is Washington had long argued that Native American groups were largely supportive of the nickname. Fawn and the NCAI called BS and they couldn't hide behind that claim anymore.
The team has not locked in new team name yet -- they're reportedly working on the business side of that ... but the season is set to begin soon, so the clock's ticking.
So far, the Redtails and the Warriors have been thrown around as possible replacement names -- you like?
Originally published -- 7/12 7:05 PM PT
